How diet impacts your child's teeth




"Fruits and vegetables are not only important for your child’s overall health," Dr. Cameron Fuller at Redlands Pediatric Dental says, “it is critical for healthy teeth.” Carbohydrates, starches and processed sugars stick to the enamel on your child’s teeth increasing their risk of tooth decay. Fruits and vegetables are better for their teeth because they tend to have a higher concentration of water with a lower amount of sugar. Dr. Fuller highly recommends cucumbers and melons because they contain even more water than other fruits.

While your packing your child’s lunch for the day it is recommended to attempt to stay away from thicker fruits and vegetables such as bananas. Not only are they higher in sugar they tend to stick to the teeth. The longer a substance is stuck to the teeth the more it becomes a hot bed for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends packing a slice of cheese as a healthy snack or lunch item. Cheese has numerous benefits for teeth, including an increase in the amount of saliva in the mouth. More saliva in the mouth will help to wash away stubborn food items stuck on the teeth.

Sticky foods such as granola and oatmeal stay on children’s teeth longer and they decrease saliva production. The team at Pediatric Dentististry of Redlands suggests your child avoids these types of food at lunch or other times when they will be unable to brush their teeth immediately. 

Dr. Cameron Fuller

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 24, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    My wife and I have always worried a lot about keeping our children's teeth healthy. We make sure that they brush twice a day, and we floss for them every day. I never realized how much a diet can impact the health of their teeth. I knew that sugar was bad for them, but I never realized that fruits and vegetables can actually make your teeth more healthy. http://www.apollodentalcenter.com/pediatrics.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJune 29, 2014 at 8:01 PM

      Edmond, I am glad to see that you are enjoying the blog and that you find the content helpful.

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  2. UnknownJune 26, 2014 at 12:14 AM

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    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 29, 2014 at 8:01 PM

    Hello Dentzz,

    I'm glad that you are enjoying the blog content and are finding it informative. Please keep coming back for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJuly 2, 2014 at 12:17 PM

    Thank you so much for posting this. I have always wondered of a diet could affect dental health. I knew so foods were better for you, I just didn't know which ones. I will have to start a better diet with my kids.

    Aaron | http://www.dentistryonwilson.com/kids_dentistry.html

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    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 3, 2014 at 8:12 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. UnknownJuly 3, 2014 at 8:13 PM

      Aaron,
      Thank you for stopping by. Happy to see that the blog has helped you to make positive changes for your kids.

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