Children’s dental health is an important part of their overall well-being. Choosing the right foods can significantly reduce the risk of dental caries (tooth decay) and help keep your child’s smile healthy. Here are some tips for selecting foods that support children’s dental health:
Avoid Excessive Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar is the main enemy of teeth. Oral bacteria process sugar and produce acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities.
- Limit Sugar Intake: Reduce sweets and sugary drinks such as candy, chocolate, cakes, soda, packaged fruit juices, and other sweetened beverages.
- Watch for Hidden Sugars: Read food labels carefully. Sugar can appear in many forms such as high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, maltose, and dextrose.
- Offer Healthy Snacks: If your child wants to snack, provide healthy options like fresh fruits, vegetables, or low-sugar dairy products.
Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods That Support Dental Health
Some foods have positive benefits for dental health:
- Calcium-Rich Foods: Calcium helps strengthen teeth. Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) are good calcium sources.
- Phosphorus-Rich Foods: Phosphorus is also important for teeth health and is found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts.
- High-Fiber Foods: Fruits and vegetables with fiber help clean teeth naturally and increase saliva production, which helps neutralize acids.
- Water: Plain water is the best drink for dental health. It helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth moist.
- Foods That Increase Saliva Production: Crunchy foods like apples or carrots can boost saliva flow, protecting teeth from acid.
Pay Attention to Food Texture
Food texture can also affect dental health:
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, and dried fruits tend to cling to teeth longer, increasing cavity risk.
- Consider Tooth Spacing: Research by Dr. drg. H. Rinaldi Budi Utomo, MS, Sp.KGA(K) and drg. Sri Kuswandari, M.S., Sp.KGA (K), Ph.D. highlights the importance of the form of supplementary foods in children aged 3-5. Children whose food forms comply with the Ministry of Health guidelines have wider tooth spacing compared to those whose food forms do not.
- Offer Nutrient-Dense Foods: Provide nutrient-dense foods, especially early on, to help stimulate healthy tooth development.
Schedule Proper Meal Times
- Avoid Frequent Snacking: Snacking throughout the day increases teeth exposure to acids. Limit meal and snack times to reduce cavity risk.
- Eat Regularly: Try to have meals at regular times.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush Twice Daily: Help your child brush their teeth twice a day, morning and night, using fluoride toothpaste.
- Use Dental Floss: Teach your child to floss daily to clean between teeth.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Take your child to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
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By following these tips, you can help maintain your child’s dental health and give them a healthy, beautiful smile. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of health for all. Choosing healthy foods also supports Goal 2: Zero Hunger, ensuring children receive adequate, nutritious food. These healthy lifestyle habits also contribute to Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by reducing processed high-sugar foods and promoting sustainable, healthy eating patterns.
References
Dr. drg. H. Rinaldi Budi Utomo, MS, Sp.KGA(K), drg. Sri Kuswandari, M.S., Sp.KGA (K)., Ph.D., Tooth Spacing Based on the Form of Supplementary Foods in Children Aged 3-5 Years (Study at TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Karangwaru Lor Yogyakarta), https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/101857
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
