Best and Worst Foods for Children’s Teeth
The school year has started, which means it’s time to think about packing lunches for kiddos. While it is easy to grab convenient foods that travel easily, they might not always be the best choice for your children’s teeth. This blog post will share some of the best and worst snacks for your children’s teeth. As parents, we support that fed is best, and we understand that changing children’s diets can be easier said than done with picky or sensory eaters. With that said, you can use this as a guide to make swaps where possible!
Worst Foods for Children’s Teeth
When it comes to the worst foods for children’s teeth, there is more to it than simply avoiding foods with lots of sugar. Find out which foods you’ll want to think twice about when selecting snacks for your kids.
Canned Fruit
Canned fruits are a tricky one. Often, canned fruits contain a thick, sugary syrup. The syrup clings to each tooth, lingering until you brush them clean.
Opt for canned fruits preserved in fruit juice or, better yet, water.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruit is another one that is healthy but has some hidden downfalls. Dried fruits are often chewy and can quickly get stuck between your teeth. Plus, when dried fruit is manufactured, a large amount of sugar is typically added to the natural sugars. If this sugary dried fruit gets stuck on your teeth, it can easily lead to cavities.
Opt for fresh fruit!
Candy
Both hard and soft candy can be bad for your children’s teeth. Hard candies, such as peppermints and suckers, are tempting to bite. Doing so can lead to a cracked tooth or, worse, a broken one. Plus, they are high in sugar that will sit on teeth throughout the day.
Soft candies aren’t much better as they are also high in sugar. The gummy and sour candies can get stuck in teeth and be difficult to remove, allowing the sugar to hurt your tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
Opt for candies that don’t remain in the mouth for long periods.
Potato Chips & Processed Snacks
Starchy snacks like potato chips can easily get trapped between teeth, providing food for bacteria and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Fruit Snacks
Many fruit snacks are high in sugar and can be sticky, like soft candies, adhering to teeth and increasing the risk of cavities.
Juice, Pop, Sports Drinks
These beverages are often high in sugar and are sometimes drank slowly over long periods of time, which allows sugars to sit on your children’s teeth.
Opt for water, or have your child drink these beverages with a straw.
What if these are the only options?
If the above foods are all that is available or all your child eats, ensure they drink plenty of water, which can help dilute and rinse away sugars.
Best Foods for Children’s Teeth
While everything in moderation is important regarding overall health and oral health, these are some of the best foods for children’s teeth.
Dairy Products
Cheese, yogurt, and milk are rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for strong teeth and bones. They also help neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
Apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean teeth naturally by scrubbing away food particles and stimulating saliva production, which can help neutralize acids. These crunchy fruits and vegetables can also help whiten teeth.
Lean Protein
Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef are good sources of phosphorus and protein, contributing to tooth and gum health.
Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which are crucial for healthy teeth and gums.
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds are high in calcium and can help strengthen tooth enamel.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal provide B vitamins and iron essential for healthy gums.
While it is essential to eat healthy, good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are crucial for maintaining your child’s dental health. Kids should start visiting a dentist shortly after their teeth start coming in! Earlier visits can help make your child more comfortable with the dentist and having someone look in their mouth. If your child needs a dental exam, contact the Fortson Dentistry offices at 248-968-2914!
Dr. Cory Fortson, DDS began his educational journey by earning a BS in Nutritional Science from Michigan State University. He is a 2014 graduate of The University of Detroit Dental School and a third generation dentist who is proud to provide excellent dental care to the Lathrup Village community.
With his dedication to excellence and continued growth, Dr. Fortson has completed extensive continuing education courses in orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), endodontics (root canal therapy), and cosmetic dentistry. He always strives to create a comfortable atmosphere for his patients while restoring their smiles. Dr. Fortson’s goal is to take the stress out of dental visits by meeting all his patients’ dental needs while offering the most up to date painless treatment options to deliver a beautiful smile.