Nutrition Plays Key Role in Oral Health
A child's overall health and their oral health are often closely linked. Providing children with a well-balanced diet significantly increases their chances of having healthier teeth and gums. A nutritious diet supplies the many different nutrients children need for growth, which are essential for healthy gum tissue development, strong bones, and protection against certain illnesses.
According to dietary guidelines, children need a balanced intake of vegetables, fruits, meat, grains, beans, and dairy products to grow properly. Eating these different food groups in the right proportions leads to the best results for their health.
How Does My Child's Diet Affect Their Teeth?
Almost every snack contains some form of sugar. Often, parents are quick to discard obvious sweets like candy and chocolate but may not realize that many fruit snacks contain one or even several types of sugar or carbohydrates. When these sugar-rich snacks are eaten, the sugar attracts oral bacteria. These bacteria feed on food particles left on and around the teeth. As they feed, they produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.
At Sky Pediatric Dentistry, we have a Sugar Station where kids can actually see the amounts of sugar in common children's snacks and drinks. This can help them become more aware of the sugar content in different foods and beverages.
When tooth enamel is constantly exposed to acid, it begins to erode, leading to childhood tooth decay. If this decay is not treated for a long time, the acids start to attack the soft tissues (gums) and even the underlying jawbone. Eventually, the teeth can become loose or fall out prematurely, causing problems for the emerging adult teeth – a condition known as childhood periodontal disease.
Regular checkups and cleanings at the pediatric dentist's office are an important defense against tooth decay. However, establishing good dietary habits and minimizing the intake of sugary foods and drinks as part of the "home care routine" are equally crucial.
How Can I Adjust My Child's Diet for Better Oral Health?
The pediatric dentist can offer valuable advice and dietary counseling for both children and parents. Often, parents are encouraged to choose healthier snack options, such as carrot sticks, low-fat yogurt, and cottage cheese. Additionally, pediatric dentists may recommend a fluoride supplement to strengthen tooth enamel, especially if the child lives in an area where fluoride is not routinely added to the community water supply.
Parents should also ensure that children are not constantly snacking, even on healthy foods. Frequent snacking means that sugars are constantly coming into contact with teeth, and tooth enamel is under constant acid attack. It's also not practical to try and clean teeth after every snack if "every snack" means every ten minutes!
Finally, parents are advised to choose snacks that are eaten quickly. Mints and hard candies stay in the mouth for a long time, meaning that sugar coats the teeth for a longer duration. If candy is necessary, opt for a sugar-free variety or one that can be eaten quickly.
Should My Child Eat Starch-Rich Foods?
It's important for children to have a balanced diet, so some carbohydrates and starches are necessary. Starch-rich foods generally include pretzels, chips, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Since starches and carbohydrates break down into sugar, it's best if they are eaten as part of a meal (when saliva production is higher) rather than as a standalone snack. Provide plenty of water at mealtimes (instead of soda) to help the child rinse sugary food particles off their teeth.
As a final dietary note, try to avoid feeding your child sticky foods if possible. It's incredibly difficult to remove stickiness from teeth, especially in younger children who tend to be less patient during brushing.
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