Children need a wholesome diet to grow big and strong. However, many parents don’t realize that good nutrition also plays a BIG role in their kid’s dental health.
With Halloween approaching, followed quickly by the holiday season, nutrition and snacks are on every parent’s brain! Trick or Treating, holiday parties, junk food, and candy are inevitable! So what are some ways to encourage better nutrition for your kid’s dental health?
Here are 5 nutritional tips to keep your kid’s teeth healthy:
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables of among the best foods your kids can eat! According the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate program recommends that kids fill half of their plate with fruits and vegetables.
Choose fruits and vegetables that are high in water, like melons, apples, broccoli and spinach. Limit those of which are high in sugars, like bananas, grapes, carrots, and corn. If and when your children eat fruits and vegetables high in sugars, be sure to have them brush immediately following.
For the proper technique for brushing, read our blog post on Your Guide to Brushing Teeth Facts!
Sticky and Starchy Foods
It’s no secret and should come to no surprise… stay away from sticky, starchy foods like raisins, jelly beans, caramel, and even granola bars. Not good for your kid’s dental health!
These foods stick to the teeth and are extremely hard for saliva to wash away. In turn, causing the sugar to sit on the teeth and cause tooth decay. Look for foods that are sugar-free or unsweetened.
Calcium
Calcium is known to aid in building healthy bones and teeth in kids! Along with milk, be sure to add some yogurt and cheese in at meal and/or snack-time.
Water
Water over juice all the way! Juices are sodas are VERY high in sugars. Plain water works wonders for your kid’s dental health! It’s readily available, will wash away any specks that may cause tooth decay, and is recommended for overall health and hydration.
Visit Your Pediatric Dentist
Potomac Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child’s first visit by their first birthday. Followed by regular visits and cleanings, you’re on your way to the best dental health for your kids!
Call or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment today!