Growing up, we tend to ignore the important role that teeth play in our lives. We eat whatever we want, do whatever we want and often care less about how our teeth may be affected. While it seems trivial at that time, these tend to have lasting causes — which your future self would have to mitigate their entire lives.
This is why advocating for children’s oral health has become a common practice by dentists, especially in the field of children’s dentistry. We want to help you promote healthy habits for your children that ultimately strengthen their oral health.
Now, while lifestyle and habits do play a factor in oral health, it is your child’s eating habits that primarily influence the development of their teeth and gums.
Here’s how developing healthy eating habits for your children can be beneficial!
The Connection Between Children’s Eating Habits and Oral Health
What kids eat greatly affects their teeth. Sugary and acidic foods can damage tooth enamel and help bad bacteria grow, causing cavities and other dental problems. However, a healthy diet with important nutrients makes teeth and gums stronger and improves overall oral health.
Foods to Include in Your Child’s Diet
Dairy Products
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients that help with healthy teeth formation, which is vital for a child with growing teeth.
With this, it is important that you encourage your child to drink milk, eat cheese, and have yoghurt often — incorporate it into their meals, if possible! These foods not only give important nutrients but also help balance acids in the mouth that protect the tooth enamel.
Fruits and Vegetables
Introduce fruits and vegetables at a young age, so they will learn to love them!
Fruits and vegetables are good for both your body and your teeth. Crunchy fruits such as apples, carrots, and celery can help clean your teeth and massage your gums — and are fun stimulating snacks for your children!
Practical Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits
Make Healthy Foods Fun
Honestly, children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they look fun, so what you can do is turn it into a fun and exciting experience for them!
Get creative with how you present their food — turn their fruit and veggies into fun shapes, use bright colours, and let your child help with cooking.
Set a Good Example
Show them that you value healthy eating habits as well!
Children often mimic their parents’ eating habits. Show them how to make healthy choices by incorporating a variety of nutritious foods into your own diet. Your positive attitude towards healthy eating will influence them.
Establish Regular Meal and Snack Times
A balanced diet helps them with teething!
Making sure your child eats at regular times can help them develop healthy habits. Healthy habits will help them avoid trying to use their teeth for things like biting or playing with toys, which can lead to more tooth problems. Encourage your child to eat balanced meals and give them healthy snacks between meals.
Read: Children Dental Care: What is the Significance of a Child’s First Dental Visit?
Introduce Them to The Dentist
Regular dentist visits are important for keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
A child’s teeth grow and change unlike that of an adult’s. This is why when your child goes to the dentist, the dentist will check their teeth and gums, search for cavities, and make sure their teeth are growing right. They might also clean your child’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t completely clean.
Dentists can clean their teeth, give fluoride treatments, and offer tips on good dental care — helping them build a conscious routine for their oral health from a young age. Finding dental problems early can stop them from becoming serious later.
Tips for Making Dental Visits Stress-Free
Start Early
Introduce your child to the dentist at an early age to build comfort and familiarity. Introducing them to dentists at a young age allows you to be able to monitor the development of their teeth and build a culture of healthy dental practices which ultimately help their oral health.
Stay Positive
Speak positively about dental visits to reduce any fear or anxiety.
Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be a chore. By making it a fun and engaging experience for your child, you’ll be able to watch your child’s smile brighten with health and happiness, building them to be adults with strong and healthy teeth in the future.
Read Next: Hairline Cracks in Teeth: Understanding their Causes and Symptoms
Need Experts in Children’s Dentistry?
We understand that providing oral care for children needs a different kind of care and attention to be able to cater to their needs fully. With this, Bellevue Hill Dental team of Children’s Dentistry experts can help keep your children’s teeth safe and healthy throughout their childhood.
Talk to our professionals for expert advice and other dental services you might need. Book a consultation now or call our line at (02) 9158 1530.
