Most people consider only brushing and flossing when they think of dental hygiene for children. But did you know that the foods your child consume play a leading role in their teeth development and protection? Read this guide to learn which foods are good and which foods are bad for your child’s dental health.
Foods That Are Bad For Children’s Dental Health
While baby teeth aren’t permanent, taking good care of them is vital for the proper development of your child’s adult teeth in the future. Let’s take a look at foods that play negative roles in your child’s tooth development over time.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like energy drinks, pop, and juice boxes are harmful to your child’s dental health. In fact, they’re as devastating to the oral health of adults too. So, it is advisable to avoid these highly acidic drinks that damage your child’s gums and teeth.
Citrus Fruit
Almost all fruits are beneficial for your child from physiological aspects. But some highly acidic fruits like grapefruit and lemons are incredibly acidic. So, if your child eats too many citrus fruits, ensure that they’re brushing their teeth right after they eat.
Chewy Candies
Let’s face it, kids love sugary candies. But as a parent, you must keep a check on their sugary candy intake. Sugar plays a massive role in degrading tooth enamel and causing cavities for everyone. So, make sure your child is not overeating candy.
Chips, Bread, and Pasta
Now, this one might be shocking to some parents. But starch-containing foods like bread, chips, and pasta can possibly lead to tooth decay. Foods that are made from white flour contain starches which break down into sugar when they’re consumed. This can lead to the deterioration of your child’s tooth enamel.
Foods That Are Healthy For Children’s Dental Health
Following are the foods that provide your child with proper nutrients and minerals, thus strengthening their teeth.
Fresh Fruits
As said earlier, most fruits are best for your child’s physiological and dental health (except too much consumption of highly acidic ones). Apples and strawberries are great for your child’s teeth. This is because these fruits produce saliva when consumed. This, in turn, results in wiping away bacteria while children eat them. Moreover, these fruits contain a high amount of fiber and carry water, which helps clean their mouth.
Vegetables
Most kids don’t like vegetables. But these foods carry essential vitamins that help protect your child’s teeth.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
Dairy foods are great since they are rich in phosphorus, calcium, and casein, which neutralize acids. Above all, these foods are a great source of protein for children.
Nuts & Seeds
Foods such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews are an excellent replacement for chips. They also have phosphorus, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Similar to apples, chewing these foods creates saliva, which in turn helps wash your child’s mouth.
For more details, visit Rodeo Dental’s pediatric dentist located in Scott Street Houston, TX.
Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics – Houston, TX • Scott Street
Houston, TX 77021 United States (US)
Phone: (281) 519-0725
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