Eating for Healthy Teeth

How Nutrition Helps Protect Your Child's Smile

A healthy smile starts with healthy eating. The foods and drinks your child enjoy every day play an important role in building strong teeth, protecting enamel, and reducing the risk of cavities.

Good nutrition, combined with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, helps support a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Why Nutrition Matters

Every time your child eats or drinks something containing sugar or carbohydrates, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that can weaken tooth enamel.

Choosing tooth-friendly foods and limiting frequent sugary snacks gives saliva time to protect and strengthen the teeth.

It's not just what your child eats, it's also how often they eat.

Smile-Friendly Foods

Choose foods that help support healthy teeth:

o   Milk, cheese, and plain yogurt

o   Leafy green vegetables

o   Crunchy fruits and vegetables

o   Lean proteins

o   Water (the best drink for healthy teeth)

Foods to Limit

Try to limit foods and drinks that increase the risk of cavities, including:

o   Sticky candies and fruit snacks

o   Juice and sugary drinks

o   Soda and sports drinks

o   Frequent sugary or sticky snacks

o   Highly processed starchy snacks

Remember, these foods don't have to be avoided completely—enjoy them in moderation and preferably with meals.

 

Smile-Smart Tips

o   Offer water between meals.

o   Save sugary treats for mealtimes instead of frequent snacking.

o   Choose whole fruits instead of fruit juice whenever possible.

o   Encourage a balanced diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients.

o   Brush twice a day and floss once daily.

Parent-Friendly FAQ

Is fruit bad for my child's teeth?

No. Fresh fruit is part of a healthy diet. Whole fruits are generally a better choice than fruit juice because they contain fiber and are less likely to expose teeth to concentrated sugars.

Is juice healthy?

Juice can provide nutrients but also contains natural sugars. The AAPD and AAP recommend limiting juice and serving it with meals rather than allowing children to sip it throughout the day.

What's the best drink for healthy teeth?

Water is the healthiest choice. It helps rinse away food particles, supports saliva production, and, in many communities, provides fluoride that strengthens teeth.