Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices -- from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.
Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include ― grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar can also affect their overall health as they create habits that follow them into adulthood.
Many foods including healthy choices have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. They may contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating but there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.
Six Tips from the American Dental Association to help reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay:
1. Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
2. Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.
3. If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
4. Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such as water and low-fat milk.
5. Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.
6. Schedule regular dental visits.
These tips will help you and your child create healthy dental habits that will follow them for a lifetime. The Valley View Dental team is dedicated to helping your child have a positive dentist experience, call today to learn more!
