Nutrition plays a crucial role in the growth and development of your child. Foods that are good for the body are good for the teeth. Healthy teeth are a reflection of your child’s overall health and well-being. 

Our renowned dentist in Upland, CA, helps guide parents and children about the importance of diet and nutrition for healthy teeth and proper growth and development. 

Healthy eating to promote strong teeth 

In addition to brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing once daily, kids need to consume a well-balanced and nutritional diet. This promotes the oral health of your child and also helps build a strong healthy smile. 

You must pay special attention to the foods they eat, especially the ones they snack on to regulate the amount of sugar present in them. Increased sugar intake can be detrimental to their oral health since it paves the way for increased bacterial colonization and plaque accumulation in the future. 

Food to eat for strong and healthy teeth

As mentioned earlier, diet and nutrition play key roles in your child’s development, growth, and oral health. Here are a few dietary tips to help your child reap the benefits of a healthy diet. Include the following foods for your child:  

• Lean meat like fish and chicken 
• Nuts like almonds and walnuts
• Proteins like eggs
• Fruits like melons and pears
• Vegetables like cucumber and celery
• Cheese and low-fat dairy products
• Calcium sources like milk, curd, and broccoli
• Xylitol-sweetened gum
• Fluoridated water 

Foods to limit or avoid to prevent dental problems

Though an essential part of your child’s growth, certain foods can be harmful when consumed regularly. Lessen the risk of dental caries and decay by limiting your child’s intake of certain foods or avoiding them altogether. These include:

• Sticky, chewy foods like caramel, lollipops, and candies
• Desserts, like ice cream, can be limited. Make sure to brush your child’s teeth after consuming such treats
• Sugar-sweetened drinks like sodas, sports drinks, sweetened fruit juice, and chocolate milk
• Limit snacking in between meals since it does not provide sufficient time for your mouth to produce saliva to flush out the bacteria and plaque. 

Wrapping up

Oral hygiene practices, in addition to good nutrition, are fundamental to your child’s growth and development. During their important developmental years, make healthy eating a priority for everyone in your family. Healthy teeth give way to a healthy body and mind.