Diet plays a major role in children dental health, growth, and development. A balanced diet with enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is essential for strong teeth, good oral and gum health, and cavity prevention.
For instance, minerals like phosphorus and calcium help build and maintain the hard outer layer of teeth known as enamel. Vitamin C encourages healthy gums and promotes healing, while vitamin A also builds and protects enamel.
On the other hand, poor nutrition and diet can lead to improper tooth development and disease. Too much sugar or frequent snacking raises the chances your child will develop tooth decay and cavities.
The best healthy diet for teeth is balanced and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that help strengthen your teeth and gums and should make up half of your child’s daily diet. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, celery, and carrots act like toothbrushes to help clear away plaque and stimulate saliva that washes away cavity-causing acids and food debris. Fruits like kiwi, oranges, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C.
In general, carbohydrates stick to your teeth, feed harmful bacteria, and encourage cavities, but carbs are an essential source of energy for your child. Whole grains are rich in complex carbs and fiber, which are harder for bacteria to feed on, making them a healthier choice. At least half of the carbs you offer your child should be whole grain, like brown rice, bread, and pasta or oatmeal.
Low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help build and maintain a strong enamel and neutralize acids that break it down. Milk also has added vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps build strong bones and regulate calcium and phosphorus in your child’s teeth.
Protein is essential for maintaining muscles, tissues, and general health, but it’s also an excellent source of phosphorus. Offer your child a variety of lean proteins, including fatty fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, eggs, legumes, lean beef, and poultry.
Water is the best option for your child. It cleans the mouth, washes away food debris and acids from teeth, and hydrates to prevent dry mouth. Plus, drinking water in the US contains fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
A nutritious diet is important for healthy teeth, but a few habits can quickly undo a healthy diet and good dental hygiene. Avoid bedtime bottles, juice and soda, and sweets and sugar.
Yes, even bottles with formula, breast milk, or milk. Going to bed with a bottle or sippy cup or falling asleep with it in the mouth lets the sugars in the milk sit on your child’s teeth and quickly lead to cavities. Teach your child to drink from a cup at around 12 months, and plan to start giving formula, milk, or breast milk at meals.
Everyone enjoys a cookie or candy, but too many sweet treats and sugary foods lead to cavities. Serve your child healthy snacks and limit treats or sweets. The more you serve healthy foods, the more accustomed they’ll become to the taste.
Juice, soda, and other sweetened drinks have too much sugar and can lead to cavities in children. If you choose to offer these drinks, limit the amount to four ounces per day and dilute it with water.
A pediatric dentist is an excellent partner in your child’s dental health, and our team at Hines Little Smiles is dedicated to helping children succeed. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can help.
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
