karacg
Babygirl is 4!
Member since 5/05 17076 total posts
Name:
Kara®
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Since we are talking kids' diets....info from dentist
I got this in a newsletter from Ale's dentist, in case anyone is interested...
Is Your Child Eating the Best Foods to Promote a Healthy Smile?
Find Out How Your Child’s Diet Can Make or Break His Smile
It’s no secret that candy bars and other sugary foods can lead to tooth decay in your child’s mouth. However, sugar isn’t the only thing that can cause problems in your child’s mouth. Here are a few lesser-known facts about the relationship between your child’s diet and his dental health:
•Candy isn’t the only food that can lead to tooth decay. You probably know that sugary foods like candy bars, cookies and cake are not great snack choices if you want to keep your kid’s teeth healthy. However, starchy foods that stick to the teeth aren’t good for your child’s dental health either. This may include certain cereals, chips, crackers and even dried fruits.
•It’s better for your child to eat sugar as part of a meal. Of course, it would be impossible to cut sugar completely out of your child’s diet. We all like to enjoy a sweet treat every now and then. However, it’s better to give your child sugary desserts right after a regular meal instead of as a stand-alone snack. By allowing your child to eat sugar as part of her meal, you’ll limit the risk of tooth decay. The more snacks your child has throughout the day, the more times bacteria attacks your child’s teeth.
•Milk and water is always better than soda or juice. What your child drinks is just as important as what she eats. Because juices, sport drinks and sodas are loaded with sugar, these drinks are terrible for your child’s teeth. Milk is an extremely healthy choice because it’s packed with calcium, which makes your child’s teeth strong. Water is not only more pure than juice and soda, but it also cleanses your child’s mouth and promotes saliva. Saliva deposits essential minerals back into your child’s teeth. Plus, drinking water keeps your child’s gums hydrated and washes away food particles.
•Cheese is a great teeth-healthy snack. Cheese is low in carbohydrates and has lots of calcium and phosphate content that keeps your child’s teeth healthy. Cheese can help balance out the pH in your child’s mouth and it preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel, produces saliva and kills cavity-causing bacteria.
•Fruits and vegetables are fabulous for dental health. Fruits that are high in Vitamin C, such as apples, oranges, kiwi and strawberries, are great for your child’s teeth. Vegetables that are packed with Vitamin A, including pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, are also extremely tooth-friendly foods. Crunchy vegetables, like celery, are another good choice because as your child chews these veggies, it stimulates their gums.
•Kids who eat plenty of protein have healthier teeth. Eggs, beef, chicken and turkey all contain phosphorous. When combined with Calcium and Vitamin D, phosphorous strengthens our teeth and bones. That’s why kids who eat protein are less likely to suffer from tooth decay.
As you can see, it’s important to make sure your child eats a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Not only is a healthy diet good for your kid’s body—it’s great for their teeth, as well! If you’re worried that your child’s sweet tooth has already caused some damage to his teeth, schedule an appointment with us today. The sooner we can treat the problem, the better.
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