Your diet and nutrition aren’t just crucial for overall health, they are equally vital for oral health. Neglecting oral health can increase the risk of various dental issues, which, in turn, can impact your overall well-being. Thus, it is essential to prioritize your oral health to maintain optimal wellness. A healthy, and well-balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s growth and development and also for establishing a healthy oral cavity. Your dietary choices reflect not only in your physical well-being but also in your oral health.
Bristol, Connecticut dentist and their team of dieticians help in diet counseling for parents, aiming to address their child’s nutritional requirements and enhance oral health.
Understanding the importance of healthy nutrition for good oral health
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children require a balanced dose of all the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Healthy teeth and gums are crucial since a healthy oral cavity acts as a healthy gateway to other systems in the body. A good and well-balanced diet must contain the right amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fats needed for optimal growth and development.
Lack of essential nutrients can result in nutritional deficiencies, increasing the risk of oral problems, especially tooth decay. Special attention must be given to the foods consumed, especially when it comes to the sugar content in them. Increased sugar intake can be harmful to the child’s oral health since it paves the way for increased bacterial colonization and plaque accumulation.
Essential foods needed for healthy teeth and gums
Remember to include the following foods in your child’s diet to reap maximum benefits:
Proteins
- Eggs
- Chickpeas
- Lean meat
- Fish
- Chicken
Nuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
Fruits
- Berries
- Melons
- Pears
- Apples
- Bananas
Vegetables
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Carrots
Low-fat dairy products
- Cheese
- Butter
- Paneer
Calcium sources
- Milk
- Curd
Others
- Xylitol-sweetened gum
- Fluoridated water
Harmful foods to be avoided to maintain optimal oral health
Though nutrition is key to good oral health, certain foods can be harmful when consumed regularly in large amounts. Lessen the risk of dental caries and decay by limiting your child’s intake of certain foods or avoiding them altogether.
These include:
Sticky chewy foods
- Caramel
- Lollipops
- Candies
Desserts
- Ice cream
- Cakes
Sugar-sweetened drinks
- Sodas
- Sports drinks
- Sweetened fruit juice
- Chocolate milk
Tooth-staining beverages
- Tea
- Coffee
Final note
A good and healthy diet loaded with nutrients is fundamental to your child’s growth and development. Make sure to brush your child’s teeth after eating sticky and sugary snacks. Diet, good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and professional cleaning can give you healthy teeth, body, and mind.
