12 Jul What Are the Best and Worst Foods for Kids’ Teeth?
When you think about foods that are bad for kids’ teeth, you probably think of things like Halloween candy or fast food. However, there are other culprits that are not so obvious.
Many of the foods kids like best will cause cavities—and we’re not just talking about ice cream and jelly beans. Unfortunately, a lot of food products that are marketed to kids are not very good for their teeth. Let’s take a look at the best and worst foods for kids’ teeth, from a holistic dentist’s perspective.
Worst Foods for Kids’ Teeth
Ultra-Processed Foods
Is your toddler subsisting on a strict diet of macaroni and cheese with hot dogs? Does your picky preteen only want to eat french fries and chicken nuggets with gobs of ketchup?
Studies show that ultra-processed foods like chips, snack crackers, pasta, and white bread are some of the worst foods for kids’ teeth. Processed meats like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and lunch meat are also associated with more cavities and a higher rate of tooth decay.
Sugary Foods and Beverages
You probably already know that sugar is bad for your teeth. But unfortunately, many of the snacks and breakfast foods marketed to children are loaded with sugar. Breakfast cereals are some of the worst foods for kids’ teeth. Not only are they ultra-processed, they also have a super high sugar content. The same goes for snacks like granola bars and yogurt-in-a-tube or pouch.
You also need to limit your children’s intake of sugary beverages like fruit juice, chocolate milk, sodas, and sports drinks. You might think that fruit juice would be a healthier alternative than soft drinks, but the high sugar content combined with citric acid can be disastrous for kids’ dental health. In fact, fruit juice can be just as bad for their teeth as sugary sodas.
Best Foods for Kids’ Teeth
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Yes, we know how hard it can be to get kids to eat their veggies. And of course they’d rather drink juice than eat real fruit. But there are ways to make fruits and veggies more fun for kids. Snacks like apple slices with almond butter or carrot sticks with hummus are kid-friendly and good for their teeth. You can also try making things like watermelon popsicles and green smoothies to help them get more fruits and veggies in their diet. If your children are old enough, invite them to help in the kitchen. Involving your kids in food prep helps get them excited to eat.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Dairy products like milk and cheese are good for kids’ teeth, because they’re rich in calcium and will help build strong tooth enamel. Just watch out for things like overly-sweetened yogurts and flavored milk. Mixing some ranch flavoring into sour cream for a veggie dip, or blending fresh fruit with plain yogurt will help them get the calcium they need. For kids with dairy allergies, look for calcium-fortified plant milks and cheese alternatives.
How to Keep Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy
It’s no secret that children’s dental health depends largely on their diet. While it’s true that genetics also have an impact, the biggest factors are things you can actually control. Teaching your kids how to brush and floss (and making sure they’re doing it right) and giving them healthy things to eat is the best way to promote good dental health. Giving them a daily multivitamin and making sure they drink plenty of water will help, too.
It’s never too late to start good habits, like eating healthier snacks and brushing twice a day. If you want your kids to grow up with healthy teeth, limit the amount of sugary, processed foods they eat—it’s a great way to prevent cavities and gingivitis. Kids also need regular dental exams and cleanings. If your child is due for a checkup, make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry today.
Photo by Johnny McClung on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/12/2024.