Eating for Dental Health
What your toddler eats can directly affect the health of his teeth, now and in the future. Eating a balanced diet is always a good idea, especially if it contains plenty of milk and milk products. These foods are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which aid in the formation of strong teeth.
Sugar and sweets should be limited because they can cause plaque that can weaken tooth enamel. Keep in mind that juice is high in sugar, so water is a good alternative. Not only is water free of sugar, it may help wash food away from the teeth. If your toddler does drink juice, you may want to control the amount he consumes or dilute it with water. It’s also best to avoid giving him juice or formula after brushing and before bed; the sugar they contain will stay on his teeth until he brushes the next day.7
Fluoride is another important component of your toddler’s diet, thanks to its ability to strengthen tooth structure. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many water sources and when used at the proper levels, is considered safe.8
Those are the big must-dos; here are some other quick tips to help keep your toddler’s teeth on a healthy track:9
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Don’t allow continual snacking. Rather than letting your child eat small bites throughout the day, give him a snack he can finish all at once.
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Serve healthy drinks. Fluoridated water is a great choice. Soda, sports drinks, sweetened iced tea, lemonade and flavored milk have a lot of sugar and should be limited.
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Include treats with meals. To reduce acid reactions, give your child a treat with lunch or dinner rather than by itself a couple of hours later.
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Offer him healthy snacks. Encourage your child to eat nutritious foods like fruit, raw vegetables, low fat yogurt and cheese.
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Avoid sticky foods. Beware of fruit roll-ups, gum, caramel and other foods that can linger on the tooth surface.
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