Dr. Elaine Martinez Pediatric Dentistry

No More Candy for You!

Are we teaching our children to make healthy choices when it comes to eating or snacking or are we teaching them the wrong things?

A healthy diet is a balanced diet that supplies all nutrients your child needs to grow and develop properly. A balanced diet includes fruits and vegetables; breads and cereal; milk and dairy products; meat, fish and eggs. Children need a balanced diet for healthy gum tissue, teeth, bones and muscles. A diet high in carbohydrates such as sugar and starches may place your child at risk for tooth decay. Foods with starch include breads, crackers, pasta and snack such as pretzels and potato chips. When checking for sugar consumption look beyond the candy bars and sodas. Some other foods contain one or more types of sugar that can promote dental decay. Sugar can be found in many processed foods even some that do not taste sweet. Like peanut butter, catsup and salad dressing to mention few.

Children don’t have to give up all foods with sugar or starch, instead select and serve them wisely. A food with sugar or starch is safer for teeth if it is eaten with a meal, because more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva helps to wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids. Also keep in mind that sticky foods such as dried fruits, fruit rolls, raisings or toffees are not easily washed away from the teeth so, they have more cavity –causing potential than foods more rapidly cleared from the teeth.

These are some tips for your child’s diet and dental health:

  • Ask your pediatric dentist to assess your child’s diet.
  • Do not stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks; buy “fun foods” just for special times.
  • Choose nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese and yogurt.
  • Limit the number of snacks.
  • Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes.
  • Don’t put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.
  • If your child chews gum or drinks soda, choose those without sugar.
  • Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Don’t forget that a healthy diet will help you keep that healthy smile!

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