4 Tips for a Tooth-Healthy Diet

Cavities often start early in life. Children may have difficulty brushing or not follow a diet ideal for good oral hygiene. According to Colgate, one in every five children aged five to 11 has at least one untreated cavity. Prevention is a great way to solve this problem before it starts. A childrens dentist often recommends following a tooth-healthy diet to prevent cavities. Here are a few key tips to help your child establish a tooth-healthy diet.

1. Encourage Hydration

What children drink plays a crucial role in healthy teeth. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water. Water helps slowly rinse away bacteria and plaque that can cause cavities. Avoid soda because it can slowly wear away at the enamel on your childrens’ teeth. Enamel helps protect teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Limit drinks with a lot of sugar, including fruit juices. Young children should have about eight ounces daily. Ask your childrens dentist if you have any questions.

2. Opt for Veggie Snacks

Children who snack between meals should eat healthier snacks like fresh vegetables or nuts. Trail mix is a great idea. These snacks stimulate the salivary glands, which help rinse away bacteria. Avoid sugary snacks offering little nutritional value. Sticky snacks, like candy, can also be bad for teeth. These snacks stick to the teeth where they leave sugar and feed bacteria, which can wear away at your child’s enamel.

3. Choose Foods High in Calcium

Calcium is crucial to a tooth-healthy diet because it can help remineralize enamel, preventing cavities and decay. Encourage plenty of calcium-rich foods, like dairy. Milk and yogurt usually offer plenty of calcium to help keep teeth strong. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are a great idea if your child is lactose intolerant. You can also check nutrition labels on food to determine which ones are fortified with calcium.

4. Recommend Sugarless Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is a confusing topic. Gum does stimulate saliva production, so many people swear it helps rinse away bacteria. However, having sugar against your teeth all day from the gum is counterproductive and can cause cavities. It’s best to opt for sugar-free chewing gum to keep bacteria at bay.

A childrens dentist can help you determine the best diet for healthy teeth. Avoiding sugar and drinking plenty of water are both easy ways to prevent cavities before they happen. Attending regular checkups is another excellent way to ensure your child has healthy teeth. Contact us today at Jacaranda Smiles to schedule your next appointment.