More than half of kids aged 6-8 have had at least one cavity. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to prevent your children from dealing with cavities and other oral health problems. A great dental health routine isn’t just about regular brushing and flossing—it’s also about eating the right foods.
Best Foods for Kids’ Teeth
A diet filled with nutritious foods is essential for growing a strong, healthy body and strong, healthy teeth! Here are some of the best healthy foods for kids’ teeth to incorporate into your kiddo’s diet.
Dairy Products
You’ve probably heard that milk and dairy products help build strong bones, and the same is true for teeth. Minerals in dairy like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D help strengthen teeth, support tooth enamel, and keep the proper balance of bacteria in the mouth. Try to avoid milk and yogurt products with a lot of added sugar and artificial ingredients to get the most out of these healthy foods.
Fruits and Veggies
The best fruits and vegetables for healthy teeth are raw, crunchy ones. Celery, carrots, and apples are great options because chewing on these crunchy foods helps scrape away built-up plaque on teeth. In addition, these crunchy foods contain lots of water, encouraging the production of saliva, which kills germs, protects tooth enamel, and prevents tooth decay.
Other vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale provide essential nutrients that promote oral health.
Water-Rich Foods
Another excellent way to promote dental hygiene is to add water-rich foods to your child’s diet. Cucumbers, strawberries, pears, and melons are all mostly water. Water-rich foods help keep your child’s mouth and teeth clean and hydrated. Of course, encouraging your child to drink plenty of water is also important.
The Worst Foods for Kids’ Teeth
It’s also important to know the worst foods for your child’s teeth, so you can avoid them or, at least, offer them in moderation. A few of the worst foods for kids’ teeth include:
High-Sugar Products
Junk foods and drinks are some of the worst foods for kids’ oral health. It’s best to offer sugary sodas, candy, and desserts, like cookies and cake, in moderation, and have your child brush their teeth right after eating them. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Acidic Foods
Lemons, grapefruits, and citrus juices, like lemonade and orange juice, are all very acidic and should be limited in your child’s diet. If consumed too often, these foods can damage teeth by causing tooth enamel erosion.
Starchy Items
Foods that are very starchy are also some of the worst foods for kids’ teeth. This includes potato chips, pasta, white bread, and other baked goods. Starch tends to stick around on teeth for a long time, turning into sugar and causing tooth decay. Brushing right after eating starchy foods is always a good idea.
Brushing, flossing, and eating plenty of healthy foods are all great ways to promote dental health at home. To make sure your child’s teeth are as healthy as possible, don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings at the Family Dental Center of Blair. Call us to set up an appointment today!
