You are what you eat: Nutrition and Dental Hygiene

Kids will not naturally choose the healthy option for a meal or snack every time. With a large amount of options available, kids may find it difficult to select the healthy option. A child may not even know what the healthier option is. Parents try to strain and find the best options for a child’s physical health but may be unaware the nutrition can have an impact on a child’s dental health as well. Here are a few dos and don’ts for kids and dental hygiene.

#1. Keep certain foods on half the plate

When it comes to eating dinner, it can be difficult to sell a kid on eating fruits and vegetables. Although difficult, mouthhealthy.org explains that “Fruit and vegetables,” combined, “should cover half your plate at meals.” Although it can be difficult to help a child eat healthy each day, parents need to attempt to provide a diet of fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy and lean protein.

#2 Avoid more than just sugar

Mouthhealthy.org explains that “if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth.” While it will not be the end of the world if a child has sugary snacks once in a while, it can cause problems over excessive consumption. “Empty calorie foods such as candy (especially hard or sticky candies like lollipops, mints, taffy and caramel), sweets like cookies, cakes and muffins, and snack foods like chips,” are all foods that can cause dental problems. Along with the lack of nutrition, many of these foods contain natural sugars that can attach to the teeth if the child does not brush on a regular basis.

#3. Promote dental habits in a positive light

While this one does not involve nutrition, it is important to note that children can develop a negative view of dentistry and dental hygiene based on how parents present it. In speaking about a dental checkup, parents need to avoid mentioning pain or the idea of the visit hurting. If a child is around 9 or 10-years-old, the parent will obviously spend little to no time in the bathroom as the child brushes his or her teeth. However, the parent needs to make brushing less of a rule and more of an action the child does for his or her health. Upon visiting the dentist, have a dentist go over the dangers of poor dental hygiene with the child to help the child begin healthier habits.

#4. The right chewing gum can help

Normally, chewing gum is right up there on the don’ts list as an item that a parent wants to keep away from the child’s diet. However, sugar-free gum can help to keep teeth clean. In the cases where a child cannot use a toothbrush after a meal or at school, sugar-free gum can help. Scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months will also help to ensure that a child remains healthy.

While dental hygiene habits at home are important for children to obtain oral health, a nutritious diet is a great way to continue keeping healthy teeth.

Titan Dental Care

At Titan Dental Care in Sterling, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and find the best solution.

Our staff will create a calm and comforting atmosphere at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Titan Dental Care, your dental health is our prime concern.

---