Is your child's diet "Teeth-Safe"?

A Diet that Is “Teeth-Safe”

Getting children to eat a healthy, balanced diet can be a challenge. Beyond preventing childhood obesity lies another reason that parents need to pay attention to their families’ eating habits: dental health. Everything your children eat affects their teeth as well as their overall health. Even some healthy foods can be detrimental to their mouths if eaten too frequently or without brushing immediately afterwards.

Timing Is Everything

The longer sticky, carbohydrate-rich foods hang around in the mouth, the more hospitable the mouth becomes to the plaque that can lead to tooth decay. Oatmeal, whole grain cereals and dried fruit are all great choices, but they tend to stick to the teeth. Instead of cutting them out of your children’s diet, have your children brush their teeth right after eating starchy foods. As for sweets, offer them as desserts after a meal rather than on their own; there’s more saliva production happening at mealtime, which can help wash away the sugars and residue. Avoid frequent snacking: The longer your children go between eating, the more time their mouths will have to produce bacteria-fighting saliva.

The Worst Foods for Your Children’s Teeth

Obviously, sugary and sticky foods are the worst offenders—lollipops, sugary gum, candy and dried fruit. But also be aware of highly acidic drinks that can eat away at tooth enamel, such as citrus juices and sodas. Pickles and honey may also lead to decay.

The Best Foods for Your Children’s Teeth

Cheese and apples are a mouth’s best friend—and a great snack option for children. Cheese offers a dose of tooth-strengthening calcium and encourages saliva production to wash away lingering food particles. A crisp apple or carrot is nature’s toothbrush, naturally scrubbing away plaque.

Your best bet for oral health, however, is a balanced diet, including lots of antioxidant-filled fruits and veggies. Not only will this enhance your children’s overall health but it will benefit your children’s mouths by protecting gums from cell damage and infection.

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