How Your Child’s Diet Affects the Health of Their Teeth

As a parent, you want to make sure your kids are eating healthy, getting exercise, and doing well in school. But did you know, that diet has a significant effect on oral health? If you want to protect your child from tooth decay, gum disease, and extensive dental work, managing their diet can go a long way. Not only are their foods that your child should avoid, but they are also many foods that make kid’s teeth stronger and more resistant to dental problems. Tooth decay is the most common disease among children, so providing a good diet in addition to great oral health habits like brushing and flossing goes a long way.

How Milk & Calcium Make Stronger Teeth

You have probably heard how milk and foods with high calcium give kids stronger bones. But not only does calcium fortify bones, but it also makes teeth stronger. It has been reported that more than half of the children in the United States are not getting enough calcium. Calcium can come from a variety of sources including broccoli, tofu, milk, cheeses, and meats including fish and chicken. As long as your child has access to vegetables dairy and meat, they will be able to build strong healthy teeth that are resistant to tooth decay and gum disease.

Foods To Avoid for Dental Health

Aside from increasing calcium in your child’s diet, there are many foods you should limit or avoid entirely. Soda and sugary drinks can destroy enamel and cause tooth decay. Your child should not be drinking any soda at a young age, and even preteens and teenagers should limit sugary soda intake. Candy and other sugary foods like desserts should be eaten in moderation. Snacks can also be a problem because children do not usually brush their teeth after they snack, which allows sugary snacks to stay in their teeth and cause damage over the course of the day.

Use Flouride Toothpaste

Beyond diet, children should use Fluoride toothpaste especially as their new teeth are developing. The best way to ensure that your child’s teeth are strong and resistant to tooth decay is to make sure that their teeth are taken care of at a young age. Fluoride toothpaste can help keep teeth strong. However, children shouldn’t use the same Flouride toothpaste that is offered to adults. Talk with your child’s dentist about what toothpaste they should use.

All Pro Dental in Revere

All Pro Dental is a pediatric dentist in Revere Massachusetts, that helps children and families manage their dental healthcare. If you have questions about oral health or would like to set up a dental visit for your child, contact us through our online contact form or call us at (781)853-0111