The Worst Holiday Food for Teeth | Shore Children's Dental Care (2024)

FAQs

What is bad for children's teeth? ›

There's no doubt it can be hard for your child to avoid sugary treats and soda, but they are one of the biggest threat to your child's oral health. Sugary drinks and foods feed the bacteria in your child's mouth to create acids attacking tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

Yes, bananas have a relatively high level of sugar, including both glucose and fructose. An average-sized banana has about 14 grams of sugar, which is about the same amount as a tablespoon of sugar that you'd find in your pantry. Sugar and starches, which are both found in bananas, can contribute tooth decay.

Sticky candies like lollipops, caramels and jelly beans are particularly harmful, but cookies, chips and other starches can be equally harmful because they break down into simple sugars. Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks and fruit juice contain lots of sugar and acids that can wear away tooth enamel.

Sour candy is even worse. It is often chewy and highly acidic, putting children at risk for tooth decay. Sugary drinks, chips, and candy are, not surprisingly, bad for oral health. These next few are some of the not-so-obvious worst foods for children's teeth.

Try to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only and not before bedtime. As a rule, note that the only truly safe drinks for baby teeth are milk and water. For healthy teeth, give foods that that provide protein, vitamins A, C, and D, folic acid, calcium, and minerals.

Popcorn. Popcorn may be a relatively healthy snack from a nutritionist's point of view, but from a dentist's perspective, it is less than ideal. Unlike the other snacks on this list, the problem with popcorn isn't so much that it leads to tooth decay, but rather that it can lead to tooth and gum injuries.

We all know that fruit is full of vitamins and an important part of kids diets, but did you know that too much fruit (whether it's fresh fruit, fruit juices, dried fruit or canned fruit) can have a negative effect and contribute to problems such as cavities and erosion, especially if your kids are grazing on fruit all ...

Even though these may seem like a good snack for kids because they are all natural, raisins and dried fruit can damage teeth because they are so sticky. Dried fruit sticks to the teeth all day long and is also hard to remove when it comes time to brush.

In addition, eggs contain selenium, which heals oral lesions and cures oral ulcers. The protein in eggs are also beneficial to the teeth. Protein is required, as well for mucosal tissue development. Protein significantly contributes to the health of the teeth.

When looking for foods that help to repair enamel, look for ones with calcium and protein. Cheese, yogurt (look for one with no added sugar!), almonds, and milk are all excellent sources of calcium and protein. Leafy greens are perfect for oral health because they are high in calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

What foods help heal gums? ›

There are many foods that can help to promote healthy gums and reduce your risk of gum disease. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, green tea, onions, yogurt, garlic, almonds, salmon, and water are all great choices for supporting gum health.

Frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby's teeth to drinks that contain sugar can cause tooth decay. So, avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks. And, encourage babies to finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.

Developing teeth need certain nutrients to grow properly; if you don't get them through your diet, your baby won't receive them either. Likewise, you'll have to watch your intake of substances that could harm your teeth in utero, such as certain antibiotics.

Don't Be Alarmed If They Are Not Eating Much

It is completely normal for teething to affect your baby's eating habits. Their little mouths are hurting and they may not feel like eating. They may lose weight and put it back on once the phase is over. If you are worried, check in with your pediatrician.

Use a clean, moist washcloth to gently wipe the gums, reducing plaque that can harm new teeth. When your child gets his first tooth, switch to a soft toothbrush. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste just the size of a grain of rice. Brush with small gentle circles over each tooth.