Developing healthy children’s teeth is vital for your child’s overall health, not just their oral well-being. Teaching your child the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing daily sets the foundation for good oral habits. However, a balanced diet is just as important. The combination of eating nutritious foods and maintaining proper dental hygiene helps your child achieve a healthy smile.
Diet and Children’s Oral Health
Diet significantly impacts children’s teeth. Consuming too many sugary foods like cake, cookies, candies, sugary beverages, and starches (like pretzels or potato chips) can lead to tooth decay. Carbohydrates that stick to teeth can harm enamel if left for too long. Make sure your child rinses or brushes their teeth after meals to remove food particles and maintain clean teeth. Click here to book a dental appointment.
Healthy Food Choices Create Healthy Children’s Teeth
Promoting healthy food choices helps your child understand how to care for their teeth and body. Key vitamins and minerals are crucial for developing strong teeth, gums, and bones.
Seven Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Dental Health
- Calcium
Calcium strengthens the jawbone and hardens enamel. Sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and salmon. - Vitamin D
Vitamin D boosts bone mineral density and aids calcium absorption. Sunlight exposure, fatty fish, canned tuna, and fortified foods like milk and cereal are good sources. - Potassium
Potassium enhances bone mineral density and works with magnesium to prevent calcium loss. Bananas, potatoes, avocados, and prunes are excellent sources. - Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports calcium in building strong bones and teeth. It’s found in seafood (scallops, sardines, shrimp) and plant-based options like lentils and pumpkin seeds. - Vitamin K
Vitamin K protects bones and aids in forming bone-strengthening proteins. Leafy greens like kale, parsley, and spinach are great sources. - Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system and prevents gingivitis. Citrus fruits, spinach, and leafy greens provide a good intake. - Vitamin A
Vitamin A is vital for forming keratin, a protein that builds enamel, and keeps mucous membranes healthy. Sources include fish, egg yolks, liver, and colorful fruits and vegetables.
Book an Appointment
As with adults, your child needs to get their teeth cleaned and a dental checkup every six months. Kids should start going to the dentist soon after their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday, whichever happens first. Click here to book a dental appointment.