Dentists are often asked what kinds of foods are best for a child’s healthy dental development.   Even though it makes a lot of sense, many people are surprised to learn that if a food is good for a child in general, it is good for a child’s teeth.  Just like a balanced diet is good for energy and overall health, it is good for healthy teeth as well.

A standard food pyramid is a good place to start.  If children are fed too many sugars and starches they are more prone to unhealthy teeth and lots of cavities.  When the bacteria in the mouth get too much sugar and starch, they produce too much acid which slowly erodes tooth enamel and causes decay.

It’s also important to make sure you do your homework on which kinds of foods lead to tooth decay, because it isn’t always the sugary stuff that does damage.  Almost any food that sticks to teeth can cause damage.

Exercising some healthy restraint when it comes to food goes a long way.  For example, limiting the amount of snacks your child eats also limits the snacks for the bacteria in your child’s mouth.  Making sure high sugar foods are only eaten at regular meal-times will help, but that means that your family should have regular family meals.  Also, if your family likes flavored drinks at meal-time, try milk instead of sugary drinks or juice.

A good ground rule in aiding the healthy development and growth of your child’s teeth is to keep only healthy foods in the house.  Leave the unhealthy foods in the restaurants.