Foods To Avoid To Take Care Of Your Child’s Teeth

As parents, we always have questions about which foods to avoid to take care of our children’s teeth. This question is very important, because nutrition plays a fundamental role in children’s health. Many foods can have a negative impact on the oral cavity, so in this article we tell you which products you should limit to protect the oral health and therefore the teeth of your child. Do not miss it!

1. Candy and sweets

Surely you already know that sweets or sweets are foods that you should avoid for the health of your child’s teeth. These products are high in sugar, which helps bacteria in the mouth grow and develop.

The sugar in candy stays in the oral cavity for a long time because it clings to tooth surfaces. The microorganisms in the mouth overgrow these surfaces and form large accumulations of bacterial plaque.

In addition , the fermentation of sugars promotes the production of acids  (Spanish link) that demineralize the hard tissues of the tooth. The loss of these minerals is the cause of cavities.

All confectionery and candies are cariogenic, but some are more dangerous than others. Chewable or sticky candies, for example, stick most to the surfaces of the teeth and stay there for a long time.

Hard candies and lollipops are also very harmful. When you suck on it, the sugar stays in the oral cavity for a very long time , giving the bacteria time to produce massive amounts of acid.

In addition, if they are very hard, the biting can damage the enamel of the teeth or overload the temporomandibular joint. And when you chew them, the remains of the treat stick to the surfaces and in the spaces between the molars.

It is true that children enjoy eating this kind of sweets very much, but they are not good for their health. In fact, the intake of large amounts of sugar affects not only the condition of the mouth but also the general health of the little ones.

Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of sweets or at least limit their consumption to special occasions. If children eat some sweets at a party or birthday, they should brush their teeth well afterwards to avoid possible damage.

2. Acidic Drinks

Soft drinks, both traditional and diet drinks, juices, and sports drinks, are characterized by their acidity and high sugar content. That is why they are also foods that you should avoid to take care of your child’s teeth.

The high acidity of these carbonated drinks damages tooth enamel in the same way that bacteria do: by demineralizing the hard tissues of the teeth. Moreover, the high sugar content exacerbates this situation.

Sports drinks are often considered healthy and ideal liquids for children who exercise. But the truth is that they are also very acidic and can cause damage to the teeth.

The ideal drink for children is therefore water. But if flavored liquids are preferred, it’s always a good idea to choose natural foods with no added sugars. For example, mixing water with some fruit or vegetable juice can be a refreshing and less harmful alternative.

3. Pastries and Cookies

Industrial pastries and cookies contain refined carbohydrates that promote the metabolism of bacteria. Their soft texture makes them easier to stick to tooth surfaces and their high sugar content promotes cavities.

Biscuits are often the easy snack when no other food is available. But you should avoid their excessive consumption and plan the snacks well.

When you’re done eating, it’s best to brush and floss your teeth well to prevent any residue from getting stuck in your mouth.

4. Sugar

We have already mentioned that sugar promotes the development of bacteria in the mouth. Excessive consumption of it poses a danger to oral health (Spanish link).

Many industrialized foods contain added sugar and its consumption is more difficult to avoid. But with homemade meals, it is essential that you reduce the addition of sweeteners.

Often when preparing meals or drinks for children, parents tend to add sugar to make the food more acceptable. But it’s important not to fall into this habit and avoid putting spoonfuls of sweetener in everything your little ones ingest. Milk and decoctions, for example, can simply be taken without sweetener.

It is also important not to wet children ‘s pacifiers and bottles with honey or sugar. These are harmful habits that promote the development of cavities at an early age (Spanish link).

5. Hard foods are bad for your child’s teeth

We already mentioned the damage that eating hard candies can cause, but there are also other products that can damage the teeth due to their firmness.

Ice is an example, because chewing it causes a weakening or fracture of the tooth enamel. If you get into the habit of chewing frozen ice cubes, your teeth can eventually crack.

Very hard nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, can also damage teeth or braces.

Healthy food for the care of your child’s teeth

Eating a varied, balanced and nutritious diet is very important for the proper growth and development of children. In addition , a healthy diet helps prevent several of the most common oral diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.

Ideally, children get used to eating a healthy diet that includes dairy, fruits and vegetables. Also avoid the foods we mentioned to take better care of your child’s teeth.