Dental health and nutrition can complement each other if you choose foods that are good for the entire body, including the teeth. Most things that are unhealthy for teeth are also low in nutrients. Good dental nutrition doesn't have to mean completely depriving your child of snacks and treats, however. As long as you provide healthy options most of the time and have him brush after every meal, your child can occasionally enjoy sweets.
Tooth Decay
Cavities can occur at any age, but with all the sweet and sticky foods kids eat, childhood is when many people first experience tooth decay. Cavities are caused when bacteria grow on food deposits stuck to the surface of teeth and create acids that attack the tooth enamel. Remember, tooth decay can occur even before a child grows his permanent teeth, so dental care should begin as soon as a baby cuts his first tooth.
Food Choices
The bacteria that cause cavities thrive on sugar and starches, so its these foods that can lead to dental problems. Carbohydrates and starches are necessary for proper growth, however, so don't try to cut them entirely out of your child's diet. Instead, offer healthy carbohydrates that are high in fiber and limit foods high in sugar or sticky foods that can cling to teeth. Drinks matter too, since sipping on sugary juices, sports drinks or sodas allow sugars to pool in the mouth and wash entirely over the teeth. Instead of drinks high in sugar, offer water or milk with meals and at snack time.
Calcium
Calcium is especially important during childhood when teeth are forming. Both baby teeth and permanent teeth need calcium to grow and this mineral also helps build up the jawbone that holds teeth in place. Low-fat dairy products are the best source of calcium for kids over the age of 2, but spinach, broccoli and fortified products, such as tofu and cereals, can also supply some of your child's calcium needs. Babies under 1 should get all their calcium through breast milk or infant formula. Toddlers between 1 and 2 who have started drinking cow's milk need full-fat milk to support their brain development. Cheese can provide a calcium boost while also stimulating the flow of saliva, which can wash bacteria and the sugars that feed them away from tooth surfaces.
Considerations
Nutrition isn't the only aspect of dental health. Keeping the mouth healthy requires more than just choosing the right foods. Kids need to brush their teeth twice a day, too, and see a dentist once or twice a year. Children under about 8 can't effectively clean their own mouths, so it's best if a parent helps them out. After the age of 2, your child should be using toothpaste with fluoride. Before this point, you should simply brush the emerging teeth gently with plain water.
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