As pediatric dentists in Westminster, Colorado, our top priority is to see our patients with healthy smiles. We all know that most kids love sweets, and if we leave them up to their own devices, they will gorge on the wrong foods.
While having some treats from time to time is fine, moderation is the key for healthy teeth and optimal health. Their teeth will shine, and the right foods will prevent frequent visits to the dentist.
The following tips will help you give your child a beautiful healthy smile:
1. Get your five a day of Fruits And Veggies.
Vegetables contain nutrients and antioxidants essential for a growing child’s body and teeth. Raw fruits and vegetables naturally scrub and clean teeth. Strong, healthy gums are important to maintaining healthy teeth.
Crisp and fibrous fruits and raw vegetables, like apples, carrots, and celery, help clean plaque from teeth. These fruits and veggies stimulate the gums and help to generate mouth-cleansing saliva to freshen breath and protect against cavities.
2. Incorporate Calcium Into Their Diet
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium. Calcium is a mineral needed by our bodies for healthy bones and teeth. It also allows the muscles, nerves, and heart to function correctly.
So make sure your child gets plenty of dairy into their diet. And for those kids that have a dairy allergy, choose dark leafy vegetables, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.
3. Minimize Snacking Habits
Snacking too often can contribute to cavities, tooth decay, and various other health problems. Bacteria that live in the mouth break down sugars and starches while you eat and drink and produce acid, lowering the pH levels of the mouth. The acid can attack your tooth enamel causing it to weaken and eventually lead to tooth decay and the formation of cavities.
Unhealthy treats negatively affect teeth, and your child’s smile will suffer as a result. Snacking should always be kept to a minimum, and your kid should brush their teeth as soon as possible. Every kid wants snacks, and it’s okay to eat a treat on special occasions, but this should always be in moderation, not a daily routine. It’s also wise to select snacks that do not adhere to the teeth. For instance, fruit snacks contain sugar and stick to the teeth, keeping the sugar in contact with enamel and increasing the chances of cavities.
4. Replace Soda and Juice With Water
Soft drink and juice consumption is one of several leading causes of tooth decay. Besides weakening tooth enamel, the sugar and acids encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth and teeth that contribute to cavities. Beyond that, drinking large amounts of unhealthy soda and sugar-filled juices can lead to childhood obesity. Your pediatric dentist in Westminster advice you to limit soda and juice intake and give them water instead.
5. Consider Sugarless Gum
What kid doesn’t crave treats? There really is no way around it! So if your child is old enough for chewing gum, offer them a sugarless option. Without the sugar, the bacteria in your child’s mouth will not produce enamel-eroding acid.
Chewing gum has a few benefits because most sugar free gums contain xylitol. The combination of xylitol and excess saliva will help reduce plaque and fight cavities while neutralizing acids and preventing the growth of oral bacteria.
How can your pediatric dentist in Westminster help you?
At Young Dentistry for Children, your pediatric dentists in Westminster, we provide the highest quality care for infants, children, and young adults. Our doctors and staff will ensure you and every member of your family has beautiful and healthy teeth. Call us today to schedule your pediatric dentist visit at our state-of-the-art practice. We can provide you with more information regarding oral hygiene tips for optimal dental health.
