A good breakfast is often heralded as the best way to set you up for the day ahead. But a recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey found that on average children were consuming 11g of sugar at breakfast in the form of cereals, spreads and juices – that’s almost three cubes. What’s more, 84% of parents thought they were giving their kids a healthy option.
So if you’re looking to make a good start to the new season, here are some healthy breakfast choices for your teeth:
Yoghurt
Choosing sugar-free and low-fat yoghurt is the ultimate way to look after your teeth in a morning. Packed with calcium, it’ll help strengthen your teeth and stimulate saliva to keep your mouth clean. If you pile it with nuts, seeds and fresh berries, you’ll also give yourself an energy boost that’ll last till lunch.
Whole grains
You can still opt for the ultimate quick fix – a bowl of brekkie or a slice of toast – but consider choosing whole grain instead. The simple carbs found in white bread can glue to your teeth where they cause more plaque and cavities. In contrast, whole grains are more complex, so they give bacteria less chance to feed on them – and they contain more nutrients that will keep you full, with added benefits to your health!
Just be sure to check the ingredients in cereals; even some which claim to be healthy aren’t all that! Ideally, the first ingredient should be whole grain and they should have a low amount of added sugar (or preferably none at all!). And try to resist cancelling out your healthy choice by loading your brown bread with sugary spreads!
Eggs
Whatever way you prefer your eggs, having one for breakfast is a healthy option for you and your teeth. Packed with protein, they’ll keep you feeling full and build muscle, while also containing vitamin D which helps you absorb calcium, making them excellent for keeping your teeth and bones strong.
Non-citric fruits
Strawberries, blueberries, pears and apples are all good ways to start your day by stimulating your salivary glands to help neutralise any acids in your mouth. In fact, strawberries and apples contain malic acid which is even used in some toothpastes. Add them to yoghurt, wheat biscuits or porridge for a healthy kick.
And to drink?
Wash it all down with a nice cold glass of milk or water!
Breakfast foods to avoid
Believe us, we know that when the alarm clock goes off for the seventh time and your Tube went five minutes ago, having breakfast can seem like the last thing you want to do – or have time for!
However, some of the quick fixes many of us rely on may be weakening our teeth more than you may think. And the last thing you want is to have to cram in an emergency dental appointment to your already-full day.
So to keep things in tip-top shape, here are some foods to avoid:
- Sugary cereals (those listing sugar as the second ingredient)
- Cereal bars
- Dried fruit/dried fruit rolls
- White toast
- Pancakes and waffles
- Syrups, jams and sugary spreads
- Smoothies (you get all the sugar but none of the filling fibre – switch to a piece of fruit instead)
- And that morning hazelnut latte…
Keep these treats for the weekend when you’ll truly deserve them. Through the week, switch them up for the healthier options listed above. There are tons of recipes online to inspire you!
Need a dental check up for you or the family? Book an appointment today with our dentist in Notting Hill.
