Your child’s teeth are very important because they’re growing into their permanent smile. The foods and drinks they consume over the summer (or anytime) can have a huge impact on their smile. As a parent, you want your child to enjoy their summer and have a great time at family outings or the local amusement part, but is a bag of cotton candy really worth the risk of cavities? Of course not!
So, we’ll discuss some food and drinks that help your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth stay healthy and others to avoid.
Healthy Food & Drinks
According to Live Well, an apple a day can keep the cavities away. If your child has a hard time eating their fruit like apples, oranges, and bananas, try cutting them up to make it easier to eat a few pieces every day. In fact, watery fruits like pears are the best fruits for your child’s teeth.
Other Food & Drinks Great for Kids:
- Water with fluoride
- Eggs
- Milk/yogurt/cheese
- Broccoli/leafy vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
Unhealthy Food & Drinks
Candy is the obvious no-no for your child’s teeth because it’s the number one cause of cavities among youngsters. Organisms feed on the sugar in your teeth and turn into acid which destroys enamel and turns into tooth decay. While juice and non-carbonated drinks may seem good, they’re filled with acid and sugar. In fact, many juices claim to be 100% fruit juice, but oftentimes contain high levels of sugar that impact your child’s smile.
Other Foods & Drinks to Avoid:
- Chewy candy
- Chips
- Bread (i.e. bread made with flour)
- Pasta
When it comes to bread and pasta, the best kind for your child’s teeth is made with whole wheat.
Final Thoughts
As parents, we teach our kids how important it is to brush and floss, but the key to improved oral health could be what they’re eating and drinking!
At Terrace Smiles Dentistry, we care about your little ones smile! You’re invited to contact us for professional assistance for your child’s nutritional health today.