A nutritious diet is essential for children to grow up strong and healthy, but it goes beyond that. Being mindful of what they eat also plays a huge role in the overall health of their mouth. Not only will children grow up big and have a strong immune system, but without the right amount of vitamins and minerals, their teeth development becomes affected as well. They become vulnerable to tooth decay, gum diseases, and other issues related to oral health. Getting your children to eat healthy may be challenging, but it’s going to be worth it.
According to experts, children should consume food from all the major food groups to ensure their healthy growth. If adults allow them to consume way too much carbohydrates from and drinks, such as cookies, candies, cake, milk, and fruit juice, they are more prone to develop tooth decay. Kids’ dentists in Riverton also agree that even starch and other savory food items post the same threat. It all depends on how long the carbohydrates stay on the teeth surface.
Here’s how you can help your children develop a healthy eating habit to keep their oral health in check:
Level up on the vegetables
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate program, when serving food to children, make sure that at least half of their plates consist mainly of fruits and vegetables. Doing so will ensure that they get the right amount of nutrients for their teeth, as these are high in water, low in sugar content, and rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C. This vitamin is essential in preventing issues, such as bleeding gums.
The challenge, of course, is getting your children to eat and enjoy their greens. Try to make these fruits and vegetables easier for them to consume. For example, instead of giving the sugary snacks when they come home from school, prepare some celery sticks and baby carrots. Add a healthy but yummy dip to make it even more enjoyable for them.
Monitor their snacking habits
Compared to the quantity, it’s the frequency of snacking that has more effects on your child’s health. When there’s enough time interval between meals, the saliva becomes more capable of washing away any food particles where bacteria would sit and cause damage.
If you allow your children to snack frequently without making sure they brush their teeth afterward, there are increased chances for bacteria to cause tooth decay and plaque development. To avoid these problems, make sure your children consume snacks only once or twice a day.
Care for more calcium
Calcium isn’t only for strengthening the bones. It also plays an essential role in remineralizing the enamel on the teeth and ensuring the functions of the nerves and muscles. Some excellent sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and of course, plain milk.
However, these aren’t the only sources available. If your children are lactose intolerant, you can go for broccoli and other types of leafy green vegetables. Even orange juice can be a great source of calcium as well.
With these pointers in mind, you can create eating habits that will help develop your child’s oral health. You won’t have to worry about their teeth in the long run.
