The Role of Diet in Children’s Dental Health -What Parents Need to Know

Cute little girl sitting on dental chair and having dental treatment.
You have probably heard that sweets and sugary beverages damage your teeth, and although it is fine to enjoy delicacies in moderation, poor eating habits can harm your teeth. The meals that youngsters consume have a long-term impact on their oral health.
Aside from establishing excellent oral hygiene practices, one of the most beneficial things a parent can do for their children’s teeth is to encourage them to make nutritional and health-promoting food choices. Teaching your child to develop lifelong healthy habits begins at home. Speak to your dentist today to learn more about Thornton child dentistry.
Nutrition and oral health
A good diet is vital for children since it affects not only their current dental health but also their future oral health. Because adult teeth build throughout infancy, a diet deficient in essential elements such as calcium might result in weaker teeth in age.
Other, more immediate ways a child’s food might damage their teeth exist. Snacks that increase saliva production, such as cheese, improve dental health by removing food particles and microorganisms. Crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots help clean children’s teeth. Drinking water instead of fruit juice or soda with meals eliminates food from chewing surfaces without coating teeth with sugar.
Here are some suggestions for assisting children in making nutritious decisions that will keep their teeth healthier and cleaner.
- Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a healthy snack option for high-carbohydrate items. Water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as pears, melons, cucumbers, and celery, are extremely beneficial to dental hygiene and assist in cleaning the teeth. Consuming crisp, raw fruits and vegetables on a regular basis assists in the removal of specific chemicals that bind to the surface of the teeth when eating and enhances overall health.
- Lean meats and nuts
These are high in protein and assist in improving dental enamel in youngsters. Chicken, turkey, and white fish are all examples of lean meats. Nuts are a terrific nutritious snack for youngsters and a rapid energy source. Low-sugar peanut butter is another wonderful snack choice.
- Unsweetened foods
Purchasing unsweetened meals reduces the quantity of sugar that may promote decay in your child’s mouth.
- Low-fat dairy
Aged cheeses such as cheddar, swiss, and Monterey jack stimulate saliva production, which assists in the removal of food particles from the teeth. Low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and skim milk, can also help to improve dental health.
- Sources of calcium
Calcium-rich foods are essential for your child’s bones and tooth development. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, and broccoli.
Consult your dentist.
As a parent, it is important to understand just how diet and foods affect your children’s oral health. An experienced dentist can be the best source of guidance on this topic, so schedule a consultation today.