Dental health is critical to children’s overall health, including their later stages of life. Unbeknown to many, children require a firm foundation in dental health. Children’s dental health is critical because it influences their health during adulthood.
To establish a firm foundation for your child in terms of healthy teeth and gums, you should scrutinize the foods they consume and ensure they observe optimal dental hygiene. If you are not sure about the foods that your child should eat or not eat, you should visit a dental office near you and get good advice from a dentist.
You can control most health complications in the mouth by eating the right foods and practicing basic oral hygiene.
Foods to eat for ideal dental health
- Vegetables and fruits
Ensure you stock your house with vegetables and fruits, particularly those with a lot of water. They include melons, pears, cucumbers, avocados, celery, apples, and raw carrots. You should, however, minimize the number of sugary fruits such as raisins and bananas.
- Cheese
When serving food for your child, you should include some cheese. The best types of cheese are cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and other aged cheeses. They aid in triggering the flow of saliva, thus washing away food particles stuck in the teeth.
- Calcium-rich food
Calcium is an essential mineral that should be present in your kid’s meal. It helps to build strong teeth. Some sources of calcium include broccoli, milk, and its products.
- Butter
Butter is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, and K2. It is also high in fat content. It’s a great addition to the diet since it enhances food flavor.
- Xylitol-sweetened or sugar-free gum
It’s hard to walk with your kid into the mall and not buy them something. It would be best if you always bought them sugar-free or xylitol-sweetened gum. Xylitol reduces the bacteria in the mouth significantly.
- Crushed nuts
Feed your child lots of nuts due to their nutritious value. They are high in protein which is essential for growth. However, it would help if you were careful when giving your child, especially very young ones to evade the risk of choking them. Some popular nuts include almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts.
- Unsweetened beverages
When taking tea or coffee, prioritize the non-sweetened version. It minimizes stains on your teeth to a certain degree.
- Water
Give your child plenty of water instead of soda or juice. Water does not contribute to teeth damage. It helps to wash the bacteria away.
Foods to avoid for dental care
- Sticky and chewy food
Avoid any food that tends to stick in the teeth and gums. They make it difficult for saliva to wash away, which results in bacteria build-up. These harmful foods include dried figs, oatmeal, jelly beans, raisins, granola bars, honey, caramel, molasses, and syrup.
- Sugary foods
Ensure your child does not consume foods with excessive sugar. They include sweets, lollipops, sugar-laced bubble gums, chocolate, and mints. They make perfect conditions for the development of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
- Soda and cola drinks
They are bad for your teeth and awful for children’s teeth. The drinks have insane levels of sugar besides being acidic. This terrific combo gives the perfect conditions for cavities and tooth decay.
- Fruit juices and canned juices
Nowadays, fruit juices are no different from sodas. They are highly processed and feature massive artificial sweeteners. Some juices are also acidic.
- Lemon juice and vinegar
Both products are acidic and thus may lead to corrosion of your child’s teeth.
Other products to avoid:
- Dairy products with artificial sugars like yogurt
- Candy
- Dried fruit
- Whole nuts
- Excess salt
Tips
Since it’s challenging to get rid of most of the foods and drinks all at once, you can still allow your child to consume some of them with critical intervention measures. Once your child eats the foods above, ensure they brush their teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste.
Additionally, make it a routine to take your children for dental exams and cleanings. The dentist can detect a condition at an early stage. Regular dental exams and cleanings also help to avert most dental problems.
Conclusion
To ensure your children have optimal dental hygiene, visit Mertz Family Dentistry and receive expert advice from highly qualified dentists. Take charge of your child’s dental health and free them from dental complications such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.