Keeping your child’s smile free of decay starts with a solid brushing and flossing routine. However, there is another crucial component of oral care that parents often forget: diet. After all, foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates can significantly increase their risk of developing dental problems. So, while your child may love cavity-causing foods, like candy, it’s best to reserve them for special occasions. Instead, fill up their plate with these ten equally as delicious alternatives.
10 Alternatives to Cavity-Causing Foods
Although your child’s tastebuds may love treats like sour gummies and peanut brittle, their teeth and gums certainly don’t! Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to fill their lunches and meals with foods that are delicious and nutritious. A few examples include:
- Yogurt.
- Popcorn (just make sure there aren’t any unpopped kernels).
- Celery with peanut butter.
- Trail mix (preferably one that’s lower in sugar).
- Fresh fruit.
- Carrots and hummus.
- Cottage cheese.
- Hard-boiled eggs.
- Baked sweet potatoes.
- Kale chips.
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Smile Cavity-Free
Although it may be hard to believe, 2021 is already halfway through! To keep your child’s smile in tip-top shape for the rest of the year (and beyond), here are a few oral hygiene best practices they should be following:
- Brushing their teeth for two full minutes twice a day.
- Flossing daily.
- Visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like thumb-sucking and nail-biting.
- Limiting sugary beverages, like soda.
How to Make Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
For many parents, brushing and flossing comes with some tears and fighting. While this is normal, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more fun for your child. To start, take them to the store to pick out a toothbrush with their favorite color or character on it. Next, use an app to play a fun song or video for the entire two minutes they need to brush. Lastly, track and reward their progress with a sticker chart. If your child needs a little extra motivation, don’t hesitate to ask their pediatric dentist for tips at their next appointment!
Your child’s teeth help them smile, bite, and communicate. So, it’s important to keep them cavity-free throughout the years. The good news is that with a solid at-home dental hygiene routine and a balanced diet, you can help their oral health stay in tip-top shape!
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of exceptional dental enthusiasts are united behind our mission to provide comprehensive, quality, enjoyable dentistry. We know many children are intimidated by the thought of visiting the dentist, which is why we go the extra mile to provide fun, gentle, informative dental care at each and every appointment. If it’s time for your child’s six-month checkup and cleaning or they need to have a cavity treated, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 540-432-6616.