How Diet Affects Your Child’s Dental Health: Foods to Encourage and Avoid

Every parent wants their child to have a bright and healthy smile. Along with oral care routine, their diet also plays a major role in their oral health. Did you know that?

The food that your child eats can either help or harm their teeth, influencing everything from cavities to gum health.

In this blog, you will learn more about the role of diet in your child’s oral health and get a list of foods to follow and avoid as well.

What is The Link Between Diet and Dental Health for Kids?

• If your kid eats sugary foods in large quantities, bacteria grow in their mouth and lead to cavities over time.
• Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus are important for healthy teeth and gums. These minerals also maintain tooth enamel and support the underlying bone structure.
• Acidic foods are bad for the enamel of teeth. It makes the teeth more prone to damage.

What Foods to Encourage for Strong, Healthy Teeth?

As per the children’s dentist Aurora, these foods are highly beneficial for a kid’s oral health. 

Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium helps build strong enamel and bones for your kid.

• Go for milk, cheese, yogurt etc. Milk helps neutralize the acids in the mouth, and the probiotics of yogurt promote a healthy mouth.

Fruits and Vegetables

Full of water and fiber, fruits and vegetables are good options for cleaning teeth and promoting saliva production. 

• Go for apples; their crunchy texture helps scrub the teeth clean.
• Carrots are another good option for cleaning.
• Watermelon and strawberries have high water quantity in them. This helps wash away sugar from the teeth.

Whole Grains

Brown rice and whole wheat bread are packed with fiber that helps keep their teeth clean. 

Lean Proteins and Nuts

Protein is a major component for building strong bones for teeth. 

• Choose eggs, check and fish; high in phosphorus, these food items are great for protecting the tooth enamel.
• Nuts contain calcium and help maintain a healthy mouth.

Water

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep their mouth hydrated and wash away any food debris.

What Foods to Avoid or Limit for Better Dental Health?

Here are some food items that you need to be cautious about for the better oral health of your child. 

Sugary Treats

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth and leads to tooth decay. So, avoid

• Sticky or hard candies
• Bars of chocolate
• Cookies and cakes

Sweet treats also lead to plaque buildup over the teeth. 

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acid weakens the enamel of the tooth and makes it more vulnerable to cavities. Avoid:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit
• Vinegar-based salad dressings and pickles
• Even sugar-free sodas also damage tooth enamel.

Starchy Snacks

Scratch is usually present in food items like chips and crackers. These foods support cavity formation in the mouth. Avoid:

• Potato chips
• Crackers 

The best option for a child is to have a balanced diet full of calcium-rich food items. Practice regular brushing and flossing, if possible. These will ensure your child gets the optimal oral health for a long time.

Do you need more information on this? Contact our dental office now and schedule a session.