The mouth is a gateway to the body, and healthy eating plays a large role in the proper development of teeth, jaws, and facial structure, as well as contributing to your child’s overall health. When you bring your child to visit Dr. Kathryn Leahey, we will provide a dietary consultation to help your child achieve a healthier mouth and a healthier body. To learn more about how diet and nutrition affect oral health, and to schedule your child’s dietary consultation with our pediatric dentist in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, please contact Colmar Dentistry for Kids at 267-209-6930.
The bacteria in the mouth love sugar! In fact, it only takes about 20 seconds for the bacteria in the mouth to convert sugar into acid that destroys tooth enamel. Even worse, this acid is active for 20-30 minutes. We recommend that you limit your child’s sugar intake to help them avoid the problems that can develop from the consumption of sugary and sweetened foods and drinks, such as tooth decay. If you do give your child candy or other sweet treats, we recommend that you do it after a meal when the flow of saliva is higher, as this will help wash the sugar away, and that you brush your child’s teeth after they eat or drink something sweet.
We recommend working fruits and vegetables into your child’s daily routine. Lean meats, eggs, and nuts are excellent sources of protein, and water and milk can replace drinks such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Other healthy alternatives for snacks and drinks include:
- Yogurt
- Peanut butter and celery
- Whole-grain crackers
- Cheese
The best way to encourage your child to eat healthy is to be a role model in eating healthy yourself. Children will follow the adults they interact with daily. Providing your body with the right amount of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth, gums, and immune system stay strong, and wards of infection, decay, and disease. When your child sees you eating healthy, he or she will likely follow your example.
For more information about oral health and nutrition and schedule your child’s appointment with our caring pediatric specialist, please contact our office today.