When talking about a child’s oral health, a lot of focus (rightly) is placed on hygiene, but what isn’t emphasized as much is just how important diet is for the growing smile. March is actually National Nutrition Month, so it’s the perfect time to look at your child’s diet and see where things could be improved. Thankfully, when it comes to their teeth and gums, small changes can deliver big benefits, and your dentist in El Reno is going to share a few in today’s blog.

Beware of Juices

Every parent knows that soda isn’t exactly a tooth-friendly beverage, so many opt to give their child a seemingly healthier alternative with fruit juice. Unfortunately, most mass-produced juices are just as bad (if not worse) for the teeth than soft drinks.

Citrus juices can be extremely acidic, and pretty much any variety of juice you’ll find on store shelves is packed to the brim with added sugar. Together, these factors can significantly increase a child’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you want your child to get more fruit, they should just eat them, as this gives them access to the nutritious fiber that is lost during juicing. And, when they become thirsty, water is always the best choice.

The Proper Timing For Sweets

You’ve probably heard since you were a little kid that you should avoid sweets and candies because they’ll give you cavities. And now as a parent, you probably do your best to ensure your child doesn’t overindulge on candy as well. But children are children, and they love sugar, so what is the smartest way to let them have a treat every now and then?

The trick is all in the timing. Instead of letting your child have candy between meals, make sure they only enjoy sweets after a healthy meal that contains a good balance of lean proteins and vegetables.  Because they are full, they’ll be less likely to eat too much. It’s also important to have them rinse their mouth afterward to wash away any leftover sugar.

Be Prepared with Healthy Snacks

Any parent with a young child will tell you that having snacks on hand is absolutely crucial because once they become hungry and cranky, they’re almost impossible to handle. Rather than relying on juices or chips and crackers, healthy snacks like apple slices, celery with peanut butter, and plain yogurt can tame your child’s tummy without giving them a big dose of sugar in the process. In addition to having plenty of vitamins and minerals, these healthy snacks will also help your child feel full, meaning they’ll be calm, relaxed, and well-behaved while you’re running errands or doing chores.

Getting your child into a consistent routine of brushing and flossing is extremely important, but their diet shouldn’t be overlooked. This National Nutrition Month, take a moment to look at everything your child eats and drinks, and you’ll likely see a few areas where you can make minor changes that will drastically improve their oral health. And of course, if you need any more information or tips, you can always talk to their family dentist in El Reno.

About the Author

Dr. Adam Cohlmia and Dr. Krysten Jackson are dedicated family dentists that strive to educate both parents and children about the importance of childhood oral care and diet. They are able to treat patients of all ages here at El Reno Family Dentistry, and they’re happy to offer personalized diet tips based on your child’s oral health needs in addition to giving them gentle checkups and cleanings. For questions, or to schedule your child’s next appointment, click here.