The Do’s & Don’ts for Planning a Tooth-Friendly Diet for Your Kids

As a parent who is concerned with your kids' dental health, you may put a lot of effort into teaching your little ones to brush their teeth for two minutes at a time at least twice per day. You may encourage them to floss regularly and swish with kid-safe mouthwash. However, did you know that what they eat may be having a big impact on their dental health? A poor diet plan can negate the effects of a great oral health care plan. Consider these do's and don'ts when planning a healthy diet for your teeth.

Do Include Foods That Are Low in Sugar & High in Nutrients

The best foods for your kids' teeth are ones that are low in sugar. After all, tooth decay thrives on the bacteria that thrive on sugar. On the other hand, foods that are nutrient-dense and high in fiber are great for their teeth. Some foods that are tooth-friendly include beans, vegetables, yogurt, apples, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grain cereals. Easily add healthy foods to your kids' diet because most children will feel like they are getting a treat when you serve yogurt and apples with dip.

Don't Be too Rigid in Your Plan

If you are too strict with your child's food plan, they may rebel against it, especially if they see their friends enjoying cakes and cookies. The best diet plan is one that has some amount of flexibility. You may plan 80 to 90 percent of the foods you plan to feed your children in the week, yet allow flexibility for unexpected things that come up and particularly strong cravings for sweet treats.

Do Plan to Serve Only Water After Night Time Snacks

After your kids brush their teeth, only serve them water before bed. Don't get in the habit of serving them juice or hot chocolate if they get thirsty. The juice may cause acid attacks on the teeth, which can be especially bad if done just before bed. If your kids do indulge in juice before bedtime, make sure that they brush their teeth a second time.

Finally, keep in mind that it's about progress and not the pursuit of perfection. Simply try to guide your children towards healthier choices while understanding that occasional sweets are a part of childhood. When you make healthier choices for your kids' diet, you can help them develop great habits that will empower them to eat healthier throughout their lives. To learn more, contact local dentists


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