{"id":178,"date":"2023-01-09T18:03:48","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T18:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2023-02-09T18:06:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T18:06:52","slug":"foods-that-improve-your-childs-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/foods-that-improve-your-childs-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connection Between Food & Your Child\u2019s Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s a wonderful thing to see your little one growing healthy and happy, and that includes their smile! So, naturally, you want to do all you can to protect their teeth and gums<\/a>, especially considering the statistics regarding children\u2019s oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. The percentage jumps to 57% by the time they reach ages 12-19! One of the contributing factors is diet. Read on to learn more about the link between food and your child\u2019s dental health, as well as some nutritional tips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Your Child\u2019s Diet Impact Their Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Teeth have a protective coating called enamel which keeps the inner layers and roots safe from decay. While this outer barrier is the hardest substance in the body, it can still be destroyed. It can erode if your pearly whites are not cared for properly, which leads to tooth decay, cavities, and even tooth loss in severe cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main culprits that put your child\u2019s teeth enamel at risk is sugary foods and beverages. Treats like candy and sugar interact with the bacteria in their mouth and turn into destructive acids. These acids attack your little one\u2019s pearly whites and damage their enamel, resulting in poor dental health. This is why it\u2019s best to opt for nutrient-rich meals and snacks as often as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Implement Smile-Friendly Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When planning and preparing meals and snacks for your child, it\u2019s important to place the most emphasis on vitamin-rich choices. This will keep their teeth, gums, and overall well-being in its best condition. While it\u2019s common knowledge what the basics of a healthy diet are, here are some fun and creative ways to implement them in their diet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n