Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth
By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

It is commonly known that nutritious foods keep our bodies healthy, but these foods also keep our teeth strong and cavity free. It is important to feed your family a well balanced diet from all food groups. Many children today receive too many heavily sugared, fatty meals that make them heavy and lethargic. These same foods commonly cause tooth decay. As a pediatric dentist, I commonly get asked about good snacks to send for school. I tell them crunchy foods like carrots, apples and celery help clean the teeth naturally. These foods are a better choice for a snack as opposed to raisins, fruit snacks and chocolate, which can cause cavities. Stay away from processed foods, like chips, and choose more natural fruits and vegetables. Now that it is getting warmer, many areas have farmer’s markets, which highlight fresh produce.

What about drinks? With spring and summer sports coming up, it is important to discuss sports drinks. Many parents are not aware that sports drinks can contain large amounts of sugar and acids. When consumed, these drinks break down the enamel layer of your child’s teeth and cause tooth decay. Juice is another tricky option. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children from the ages of 1 to 6 should only consume 4-6 ounces of juice a day. Juice should be limited to mealtimes and diluted with water. Soda should never be an option for children. Read the label and find a sport drink that has low or no sugar. Water is a better option for you and your family and should be the only thing consumed after nighttime brushing. And, never let a child take anything but water to bed with them. Doing this will only lead to cavities and pain for your child.

I also get questions about children chewing gum. I always recommend giving gum with xylitol sugar. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry approves the use of xylitol to help reduce tooth decay and the prevalence of the bacteria that cause cavities. Tooth decay is a bacteria that can be passed around families like the flu. A mother with cavities can pass her bacteria to her child through her saliva. Along with getting regular dental cleanings and treating the tooth decay, a mom can chew xylitol gum to help keep her intra oral bacteria controlled. Look on the ingredient list of the gum package to make sure that xylitol is listed first. It is commonly found in health food stores, but is starting to be found in more popular brands of chewing gum.

Find a dental home for your family with a dentist that you trust. Talk about healthy food options for your family and stress brushing and flossing every day. A healthy mouth is the first step to having a healthy body.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193