As important as it is to have a great routine of brushing and flossing twice a day, there’s more to your child’s dental health. In fact, choosing healthy foods for kids’ teeth can play an essential role in the long-term health of their smiles.
An occasional apple juice or sweet can be a delightful treat, but enjoying them in moderation helps keep little smiles healthy between visits to our pediatric dental professionals in Austin, TX. A well-balanced diet helps your child build healthy habits from a young age, resulting in a lifetime of strong teeth and confident smiles.
Can Diet Affect a Child’s Teeth?
Can a child’s diet affect the overall health of their teeth? Absolutely! Your child’s dietary habits play an important role in their oral health.
When your child eats or drinks anything containing sugar, it becomes a food source for plaque bacteria, creating enamel-eating acid. The acid “fights” the protective outer layer of your teeth – the enamel – making it easier for tooth decay and cavities to develop. Eating too much sugar can result in teeth sensitivity, cavities, or other dental health problems.
A strong oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and a well-balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, fruits, and vegetables can help protect your child’s teeth, keeping their smiles strong and healthy.
Choosing the Best Food for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Ensuring your child eats healthy foods and snacks is an integral part of their dental health journey. Here are some great foods and healthy snacks for kids to enjoy while promoting strong teeth and gums:
Fruits
Fruits are superfoods when it comes to dental health. Not only do they contain essential nutrients to promote strong teeth and gums, but crisp fruits like apples can help clean plaque from teeth and even freshen breath!
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great healthy snack or a mealtime side. Some of the best vegetables to have on your child’s plate? Celery and carrots, which are high in fiber and water content, work to remove plaque and leftover food particles, and help wash away any leftover sugars and acids.
Calcium
We know calcium is essential to building strong bones, but did you know it’s also one of the most important minerals for dental health? Low-fat dairy options like milk and yogurt also include vitamin D, which helps your body to absorb calcium and can even help neutralize acids from plaque bacteria.
Lean Meats and Proteins
Protein is an excellent source for strengthening tooth enamel. Lean meats like turkey, chicken, and fish add protein, vitamin D, and calcium to your child’s diet. Nuts can also be a great source of protein for your child, giving them an extra energy boost and an easy no-prep snack.
Foods to Avoid to Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay
Many children’s foods contain sugars and acids that can affect their oral health, from the usual suspects like candy and juice to others that might not be as obvious, like the starches in pasta and bread. Knowing when to choose a healthier option can help preserve strong teeth and gums. These foods may increase your child’s risk of cavities and impact your child’s oral health:
Candy, Cookies, and Other Sugary Sweets
Candy, cookies, cake, breakfast cereal, and other sweet treats can be great for a celebration or a special treat but should be enjoyed in moderation. If possible, having your child brush their teeth or even just drink a glass of water immediately after can help clean out the sugar and minimize its impact.
Juices and Citrus Fruits
Juice can contain a high amount of natural and added sugars, which may leave teeth at risk for damage. Like most sugary options, it can be fine on occasion, but your child should mostly drink water and milk to protect their smile. Additionally, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can be a good source of vitamin C, but because they’re also more acidic than other kinds of fruit, they can damage tooth enamel and aggravate sensitive gums.
Simple Starches
Pasta, bread, and chips are some of the easiest meals to prepare for your child, but you might be surprised by the amount of sugar found in starches. Foods with high levels of simple starches will be converted into sugar that sticks to your child’s teeth.
What does this mean for your kid’s healthy teeth and gums? A higher chance of bacteria and plaque growing on the surface of their teeth.
Questions on How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy? Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces Can Help
A complete foundation for healthy smiles includes brushing & flossing twice a day and making healthy, informed choices about food. Helping your child make balanced choices helps lead to a lifetime of confident smiles and great oral health.
As a trusted local practice for children’s dental care, our team is committed to providing preventive dental care for kids and helping parents and children pave the way for strong smiles. We have multiple convenient locations throughout the Austin, TX, metro area, including Belton, Copperas Cove, Elgin, Killeen, Kyle, and 5 locations in Austin. Take the first step in protecting your child’s teeth by scheduling an appointment at Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces.
