Children are the perfect age to learn about dental hygiene. Start teaching them about nutrition for healthy teeth while they’re toddlers, and you’ll find they grow up with perfect teeth.
While it’s important to floss and brush, kids also need to learn that nutrition affects how their teeth grow and develop. Tooth decay is caused by sugar in the diet; therefore, diet is the key to preventing it. You must look after your kid’s diet to ensure their teeth stay in excellent condition until they’re old.
Serve Fruits and Vegetables
When discussing nutrition for kids, it’s best to give them the reasons they need to eat fruit and vegetables. Many children are not fond of dark leafy vegetables, but foods like kale, broccoli, and spinach contain plenty of calcium, which helps build strong tooth enamel. Give children the information they need to create healthy habits.
It helps to visit a dentist regularly so you can see any signs of malnutrition early on. The dentist can also provide nutritional education for kids. Regular dental checkups and watching your child’s diet help improve oral health and prevent gum disease.
Offer Dairy Every Day
Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese are full of calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. Children are often happy to snack on dairy products, so offer them at least one serving daily. It can make a big difference.
If your children are lactose intolerant, there are other options, including lactose-free milk, kefir, and yoghurt. Non-dairy choices include canned sardines, fortified soy milk, and salmon with the bones, all of which offer excellent nutrition for healthy teeth. Other calcium-fortified foods can also contribute to a healthy smile.
You may also mix dairy into other foods to make it more exciting for your kids. Milk on cereal, in smoothies, or in blended fruit ice pops can be more interesting than just a glass of milk. Get creative to help your littles learn how to incorporate healthy foods into their daily diet.
Choose Healthy Snacks
Wondering what to feed your kids to keep their teeth healthy? Look for fresh fruits and vegetables that your kids will eat, especially high fibre ones like apples, oranges, and broccoli. You can also provide whole grain bread or crackers, along with cheese, hummus, or seed butter if they have a nut allergy.
The body absorbs and utilises calcium when Vitamin D is also taken. This may come in the form of fortified milk, or you may encourage your kids to spend time outdoors. A little sunlight provides Vitamin D and helps kids’ bodies stay in superb condition.
Foods to avoid include anything with high levels of sugar. You should avoid lollies whenever possible, plus cereals with added sugars, baked goods, and even biscuits with high amounts of sugar. All of these can increase the risk of tooth decay and may cause decay far too early.
Limit Juice and Soda
Nutrition for healthy teeth aren’t just about what you eat. It’s also about what you avoid, including liquids that can be very bad for teeth.
If you want your children to have strong teeth, it’s best to let them drink water and a little milk each day. Juice, even 100% fruit juice, and sodas can cause rapid decay due to the high sugar content.
Remember that it’s best to eat your fruit, not drink it. This allows your child to ingest the healthy fibre that comes with the fruit. Whole fruits are the best nutrition for healthy teeth. If you do choose to give your child juice, try to water it down so the damaging liquid is diluted.
Choose Sugarless Gum
If you’re out and about and can’t brush immediately after eating, try chewing sugar-free gum. The Australian Dental Association states that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help reduce the acid in the mouth caused by bacteria. It does this by causing an increase in saliva production. Just be sure to reserve gum for children who are old enough not to swallow it accidentally.
Avoid gums with sugar, as they will simply worsen the situation. Worse, this type of gum keeps sugar in contact with the teeth over a more extended period, making it even more dangerous for tooth decay.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Teeth
Your teeth are affected by everything you eat, so your children need to learn good habits early on. They should eat healthy, nutritious food containing calcium and Vitamin C to help absorb the calcium. Fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods can improve dental health and prevent tooth decay. Teach them to avoid drinking too much soda or juice and help them make good decisions regarding nutrition for healthy teeth. When children learn this lesson early, they grow up to continue caring for their teeth.
Now that you know good nutrition for healthy teeth and good oral health is so important, what will you change about nutrition for children in your home? Plus, book an appointment for a regular checkup to keep your’s kid’s teeth and gums healthy and clean.
