Dr. Kammath_Blog_April

1. How Nutrition Affects Your Child's Teeth: A Pediatric Dentist’s Perspective A child’s oral health is usually one of the top priorities, as well as one of the key concerns of parents. Nutrition plays an important role in having healthy teeth and gums. Eating a balanced diet will help your body to keep growing well as well as prevent dental problems. Why Eating Healthy Is Good for Teeth Eating a healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Eating nutrient-rich foods is important for oral health. They provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs. For instance, calcium and phosphorus help build and maintain tooth enamel. Vitamins A and C keep your gums healthy and help prevent infections. Good pediatric dentists emphasize the need for a balanced diet as it is the foundation of a healthy smile. Foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away the plaque and bacteria from the teeth. Also, dairy products like cheese and yoghurt are high in calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel and increases saliva production.. Foods That Help Keep Teeth Strong As mentioned earlier, a balanced diet helps in maintaining strong teeth and having overall good oral health. Here are certain foods that will be beneficiary for your child’s teeth: ● Dairy Products: Cheese, yoghurt and milk are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus that help in building strong teeth and bones. ● Leafy Green: Spinach and Kale are rich in calcium, which contributes to strong enamel.

2. ● Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples and carrots help stimulate saliva production and help clean teeth naturally. ● Nuts: Almonds and Cashews also contain minerals and phosphorus, which support enamel strength. ● Lean Proteins: Chicken and fish provide protein, Vitamin D and calcium, which support strong and healthy teeth. How Sugary Snacks Can Damage Teeth Sugary snacks are known to be one of the main causes of cavities in children and even in adults. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay. Sticky sweets like caramel, toffee or dried fruits are particularly harmful as they stick to the teeth for extended periods, increasing the chance of tooth decay. Even sugary drinks like soda and juice should be enjoyed in moderation. They can stay on your teeth and cause bacterial growth. This is why pediatric dentists advise limiting sugary snacks and drinks, as it will help prevent cavities and gum disease. Why Calcium and Vitamin D Are Important for Teeth Calcium is important for making teeth strong. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better. Together, calcium and vitamin D help create strong teeth and bones.. How Sour Foods Can Hurt Teeth Sour foods like citrus fruits and acidic candies can gradually wear away tooth enamel. These acids damage the protective layer of teeth, making them more likely to get cavities. After eating citrus foods, one should rinse their mouth with water to reduce acidity. How Water Keeps Teeth Healthy Water is great for your oral health because it rinses away food and bacteria and reduces acids in your mouth. Using fluoridated water provides added protection by strengthening and preventing decay. Encouraging your child to drink water is a simple yet effective way in maintaining their dental health.

3. Signs That Bad Eating Is Affecting Your Child’s Teeth Poor eating habits can lead to various visible signs of dental issues like tooth discolouration or spots, which indicate enamel erosion. There will also be an increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and persistent bad breath can be caused by bacterial buildup. Excessive sugar intake can cause cavities and/or gum inflammation. How to Teach Kids to Eat for Healthy Teeth Teaching children good eating habits is important as it can set the foundation for lifelong oral health: 1. Stock Healthy Snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts and dairy products that are tooth-friendly. 2.Limit Sugary Treats and Drinks, as they are often the main cause of cavities and gum disease. 3.Teach your children how some foods can hurt their teeth. Help them choose healthier options. 4.Involve them in Meal Planning as it helps engage your child to develop a positive connection with nutritious foods. 5.Lead by example, as children tend to mimic the habits of their parents, it is important to model healthy eating habits. Conclusion Nutrition is an important part of not only your child’s dental health but also the overall health of your child. A good pediatric dentist will always stress the importance of having a balanced diet along with regular brushing and flossing. It is also important to have regular dental checkups as well as consult with a pediatric dentist to ensure that your child will have a healthy and radiant smile for years. References: 1. Healthy Teeth and Your Child's Diet - HealthyChildren.org 2.The Best Foods For A Healthy Smile and Whole Body | College of Dentistry | University of Illinois Chicago 3.The Effects of Sour Candies on Your Teeth | Little Silver, NJ Patch