Teeth-Friendly Diets for Children

The foods and drinks that we consume play a major role in our oral health, and because a child’s teeth are more vulnerable to damaging sugars, starches, and acids, it is important that parents monitor their child’s diet. At West Valley Pediatric Dentistry cares not only about your child’s teeth but about their overall well-being, which is why we offer diet coaching. Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Bailey and Dr. Cayla, will work with you and your child to suggest foods and habits that will not harm your child’s teeth and keep their smile—and their body—healthy and strong. Schedule your appointment for you and your child to talk with our dentist about how teeth-friendly diets for children in Taylorsville, Utah, can protect their smile.

Everything you eat or drink comes in contact with your teeth. This means that whatever you eat and drink also affects your oral health, for better or for worse. An adult’s teeth can more easily fight against harmful sugars and carbohydrates, but a child’s softer, developing teeth are more susceptible. At our practice, our trained pediatric dentists and team members provide diet tips to help your child eat healthy and eat foods that will do the least damage to their teeth. Some of these teeth-friendly diet tips include:

• Feed your child fruits and vegetables for a snack instead of carbohydrates or sticky foods. Fruits and veggies with high water volume are best, including melon, pear, celery, and cucumbers. If your child eats sugary or sticky foods (bananas, raisins, granola bars, etc.), try to brush their teeth immediately after eating.
• If you feed your child treats, offer them during mealtimes instead of as a snack. During meals, the saliva flow increases, which helps wash away food particles and sugar that would otherwise stick around for bacteria to feed on.
• Eat as few snacks as possible during the day. It is okay for your child to have 1 or 2 snacks, but frequent eating prevents saliva from washing away food left over from meals. This gives bacteria a constant fuel source, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. If possible, try brushing your child’s teeth after eating a snack.
• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle that is filled with soda, juice, milk, or formula. Each of these has a high sugar content, and when your child leaves their bottle in their mouth while they sleep, this can lead to the commonly known condition called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
• Offer your child water instead of sugary drinks. Juice, chocolate or regular milk, and soda are okay in moderation, but drinking more water will help wash away sugar that would otherwise stick to your child’s teeth.

There are many things you can do with your child’s diet to help protect their teeth and maintain good health. Remember to always have your child brush and floss their teeth, rinse with mouthwash, and visit the dentist regularly. By combining these dental hygiene habits and diet tips, your child can keep a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their life. Please feel free to contact us at 801-417-8080 with any questions you may have and to schedule your child’s appointment.