How Will a Nutritious Diet Boost Children’s Oral Health?

Your kids want that ice cream sundae, but they are still learning about the risk of cavities. You are helping them learn about how they can make wise choices when eating to benefit their health.

There are things you can do to support children’s oral health and set a good example they can build upon. Their diet significantly affects their teeth and gums, so read on to learn tips that can make a difference.

More Cheese Please

Cheese is a great source of calcium, so it really benefits teeth and bones. A cheese board is a great appetizer before a family dinner. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or other aged cheeses are all solid choices.

Drink Plenty of Water

Your child likely loves soda and juice, but they are so high in sugar to cause trouble for tooth enamel. If they have these beverages occasionally, it’s better to drink them through a straw to minimize contact with their teeth. Your child will probably learn the importance of staying hydrated when it comes to sports, but simply for tooth care when they pivot from a sugary beverage to water it’s great for their oral health.

Move Sweets from Snacks to Meals

Your child is thinking about snack time often, but if they are going to have sweets it’s actually better if they enjoy it at mealtime. Saliva production elevates during mealtime, at which point it is easier to control acidity in one’s mouth and reduce damage to the enamel. So, a piece of pie takes it easier on their teeth when eaten right after a burger instead of by itself hours later.

Limit Snacking

As opposed to the amount of food, this is about the frequency of eating. When there’s plenty of time between meals, saliva can wash away food particles that bacteria would try to feed on. This will increase your child’s chances of avoiding cavities.

Steer Them Away from Sticky Foods

Sticky treats like taffy, caramel, granola bars, and even dried figs are best saved for occasional eating. Since they adhere to your teeth, it is tougher for saliva to get rid of the food particles. If they do eat items like this, brushing afterward becomes even more important.

More Fruits and Veggies

If kids think fruits and vegetables aren’t very tasty, they probably just haven’t found their favorites yet. Sliced apples, pears, and melons are good choices on the sweeter side. You could also introduce them to carrots and celery with some hummus or another dip you think they’ll enjoy. Avoid offering them dried fruits like raisins, since they are sticky and high in sugar.

There are many avenues for your children to eat foods they like and take good care of their teeth at the same time. With your guidance, they’ll figure out the healthy habits they prefer!

About the Practice

At Broad Park Family Dentistry, just as our name states, we are all about family-oriented dental care. From young children to seniors, we offer a wide array of services to address your dental needs in one location. We understand it’s not always easy to instill healthy eating habits in your children, but it’s worth the effort. We’re here to help with a dental cleaning and exam that kids and adults alike should have twice each year. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (817) 473-6857.