Your child’s diet and nutrition are closely connected to oral health. During their regular visits to Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we may make recommendations on ways to improve your child’s diet and help them maintain better oral health.

Your child’s nutrition and diet have a powerful impact on their oral and overall health. For example, if your child eats too much sugar, it can increase their risk of cavities, and poor nutrition increases their risk of developing damaging dental conditions, including defects in their tooth enamel and gum disease. However, many nutrients work to keep your child’s mouth and teeth healthier, such as vitamin A, which aids in tooth formation, and vitamin B, which helps the gums, teeth and tongue function properly.

Your child has a unique metabolism, and some nutrients may benefit them more than others. When you bring your child to our office, our pediatric dentists will consult with you to determine the type of diet and nutrients that will be most beneficial to their oral and overall health.

Here are a few tips on ways you can help your child maintain a balanced and nutritious diet:

• Read food labels
• Limit their intake of sugary foods and foods high in carbohydrates
• Provide them with fresh fruit and vegetables
• Limit their intake of sugary drinks and encourage them to drink more water
• Provide them with foods high in calcium and phosphorus
• Encourage your child to brush after each meal and floss daily, and help them brush and floss if necessary

For more information about your child’s nutrition and diet, call our office today!