How to make your child’s diet safe for their teeth?

The type of food that you feed your child can have an effect on their oral health.  Diet actually plays a huge role on whether a child develops tooth decay and cavities, which can also lead to potential tooth loss. Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry in Houston offers pointers to ensure that your child has a healthy smile.

Foods to avoid

Children will take interest in various foods, but the majority of these foods are filled with sugar and other unhealthy things.  As good as these foods may taste, they can have negative effects on your child’s teeth.  This doesn’t mean that your child should never have sweets again, it just should be eaten with moderation. 

Even some healthy foods can present the threat of tooth decay as well. For example peanut butter, granola bars, and raisins can all stick to teeth after you eat them.  If you are serving these types of foods to your child make sure to have them brush their teeth right after they eat.

Beverages

There are so many drinks marketed for children that have a ridiculous amount of sugar servings.  The National Health Organization suggest that children should have no more than 3-4 teaspoons of added sugar a day.

You should get your child in the habit of drinking water with their meals.  You can give them milk or juice but also in small serving sizes.  One of the most important things is to never let your child fall asleep with a full cup of milk or juice, because this can cause rapid tooth decay.

A healthy and balanced diet

As long as your child is properly brushing their teeth regularly and maintaining a healthy balanced diet with fruits, whole grains, vegetables and lean proteins then tooth decay should be no problem.  For more questions on this or any other dental related issue reach out to us!