Diet & Nutrition
Is Diet & Nutrition important for kids dental care?
Yes! Stickier foods, foods that are higher in carbohydrates, and processed foods are more readily broken down by the bacteria in the mouth and can lead to the process of starting decay.
Problematic Foods
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Some of these foods include:
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Cookies
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Candy & Chocolate
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Goldfish
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Cheerios
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Gummy vitamins
As with all foods, including those listed above, try to avoid leaving food residue in the mouth for too long. Rinse with water, wipe down the teeth with a clean wet towel, and, if your child is old enough, consider chewing a sugar free gum with Xylitol in it. (But watch how much gum you are giving initially as too much Xylitol can sometimes induce diarrhea.)
Recommended Frequency of Eating
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Our recommendation is for 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Snacking 3 or more times a day puts your child at a higher risk for cavities.
Also, try not to let your kids graze on foods for a prolonged period of time. Have them sit and eat, and when they are done take the food away. This practice is especially important because it allows your child’s mouth to recover and help reduce the acid created from the bacteria that can harm your child’s teeth.
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By constantly eating, your child’s mouth never gets the chance to recover and will remain acidic, which can lead to decay.
Training Your Child's Palate Early
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Some children are picky eaters and it can be challenging for parents. We like to stick with the motto, “I provide, you decide.” You offer healthy choices and let your child decide from those options!
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Introducing healthier food options early on is a great way to get children excited about eating the right way into adulthood.
Juice vs. Whole Foods
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Kids like drinking juice a lot, but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends:
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4 oz of juice per day for toddlers age 1-3
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4-6 oz for children age 4-6.
Unless your child has specific dietary recommendations from a physician, it is always better to offer whole fruit than its juice form. An apple contains all the nutrients and fiber with less sugar than apple juice. Try a smoothie packed with some fresh leafy greens and whole fruit for a tasty and healthy treat!
How Diet & Nutrition impact kids dental care?
It's no secret that what our children eat and drink can have an impact on their overall health, but did you know that diet & nutrition are also important factors in kids dental care?
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That's right - the foods and beverages your child consumes can play a role in their oral health. From cavities to gum disease, poor diet choices can lead to a variety of dental problems.
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So, how do you ensure your child is getting the nutrients they need for optimal oral health?
Keep reading to find out!
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The Basics
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Limit Sugar Intake
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Encourage Water Consumption
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Limit Snacking
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Encourage Healthy Snack
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Table of Contents:
The Importance of Diet & Nutrition in Kids Dental Care
When it comes to dental care, diet and nutrition play a vital role in keeping teeth healthy and strong. Just like our bodies need the right nutrients to function properly, so do our teeth! That's why it's important for kids (and adults!) to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and water. These foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help keep teeth clean and prevent cavities.
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On the other hand, sugary drinks like soda and juice can actually contribute to tooth decay because they contain high levels of sugar which feeds bacteria in the mouth. The same goes for snacks full of empty calories - these provide no nutritional value whatsoever and can actually damage teeth if consumed too often.
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So what can you do to ensure your child is getting all the nutrients they need for good oral health?
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Start by teaching them proper brushing habits (twice a day!), flossing daily, and chewing sugarless gum after meals. You should also make sure their diet consists of plenty of nutrient-rich foods as well as limiting sugary drinks and snacks.
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By following these simple tips, you'll be on your way towards maintaining healthy smiles for years to come!
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How Diet & Nutrition Affects Oral Health
When it comes to our oral health, what we eat and drink definitely affects our bodies in many ways. The mouth is full of bacteria, some of which are harmful. These bacteria can mix with food particles to form plaque, a sticky film that clings to teeth.
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If not removed daily through brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which collects along the gumline and makes it difficult to remove without professional cleaning. Over time, calculus and plaque contribute to the development of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
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So how does diet play into all of this?
Well certain foods are more likely than others to cause cavities or other problems like tooth enamel erosion due mainly because they’re high in sugar or acid content.
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Sticky foods are also problematic because they tend stay on teeth longer allowing bacteria more time break them down which then leads decay!
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As you can see, it’s important cleanse your child's mouth thoroughly after eating any sugary or acidic foods but especially so if they consume these types of items often throughout day; otherwise you may be putting them at risk for developing serious dental issues later on down road. And remember always rinse with water afterwards too brush off any lingering debris before going bedtime!
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Tips for Improving Your Child's Diet & Nutrition
As a parent, you are always looking for ways to improve your child's health and well-being. Diet and nutrition play a big role in oral health, so it is important to make sure that your child is getting the nutrients they need for healthy teeth and gums.
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Here are some tips for improving your child's diet and nutrition:
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1. Make Sure They Eat Breakfast Every Day:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's especially important for kids because it helps them concentrate at school and provides energy to run around and play.
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A nutritious breakfast includes whole grain cereal or oatmeal, low-fat milk or yogurt, fresh fruit or vegetables, protein (eggs),and water.
Avoid sugary cereals or pastries as these can promote tooth decay.
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2. Pack Healthy Snacks:
When packing snacks for school or after-school activities, choose items such as fruits, vegetable, whole grain crackers, cheese sticks, nuts, seeds, and limit sweets such as candy bars, cake, cookies and so forth.
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Encourage your child to drink more water: Water is essential for good oral health; it washes away food debris plaque from teeth which can prevent cavities. It’s best to avoid sugary drinks like juices and sodas.
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Include calcium-rich foods in their diet. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth; good sources of calcium include low fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheeses, and cottage cheese.
Common Nutritional Deficiencies That Impact Oral Health
When it comes to oral health, there are a few key nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
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Unfortunately, some children don't get enough of these vital nutrients in their diet and as a result, they may be at risk for developing dental problems. Some of the most common nutritional deficiencies that can impact oral health include vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, and iron deficiency. Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium, so a lack of this vitamin can cause weakened bones and teeth. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, so a lack thereof can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood which is important for healthy gums; without enough iron present in the diet an individual may be at risk for periodontal disease.
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If you think you might be deficient in any of these vitamins or minerals, it's important to talk to your doctor about supplementation or changes to your diet that could help improve your oral health.
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Conclusion
Yes, diet and nutrition are important for kids dental care. Proper nutrition helps keep teeth and gums healthy, while sugary and acidic foods can damage them.
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Be sure to offer your child a variety of healthy food options and limit snacking to promote good oral health.
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If you're concerned about your child's diet and nutrition impacting their dental health, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Dina. She can help assess your child's risk for cavities and tooth decay, and offer recommendations on how to improve their oral health through diet and nutrition.