Role of diet in your kids oral health
Oral health plays a very important role in the overall health and well-being of children. From the moment they get their first tooth, children rely on strong and healthy teeth. Healthy teeth are not just for eating food but it also helps in developing proper speech and facial structure. This foundation is laid from childhood and lasts throughout a child’s lifetime. And a good diet plays an important role in oral health.
The diet children take has an overall impact on their oral health. A nutrient-rich diet supports the development of strong teeth and gums, while poor diet choices can lead to cavities, enamel erosion, and gum disease. It is important to understand the relationship between nutrition and oral health. Parents can make wise and informed choices to promote healthy smiles on their kids and make a healthy lifestyle for them.
Understanding Tooth Development in Children
Stages of Tooth Development
Children’s teeth develop before their birth, and the primary teeth of the baby develop into minor ones during pregnancy. And there are 2 stages in tooth development.
- Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth):
Usually, children start teething between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. By the time a child is 3 to 4 years old, he has 20 milk teeth which act as placeholders for other teeth and also help in chewing and speaking.
- Permanent Teeth (Adult Teeth):
Around the age of 6, children start losing their baby teeth. They then form the structure for the permanent teeth. This process continues for about 12 to 13 years, when most permanent teeth appear. Wisdom teeth are exceptional, which usually appear between 17 and 21 years of age.
Importance of Proper Nutrition During Growth
The development of healthy teeth is directly dependent on nutrition. The right amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals in diet support the strengthening of dentin and enamel. This is important to protect teeth from the effects of decay and damage. Nutrients such as calcium phosphorus, and vitamins D and C contribute to the development of healthy teeth in children. Additionally, good nutritions Strengthens the gums and surrounding tissues, and helps keep teeth firmly anchored.
How Poor Nutrition Affects Developing Teeth
Bad food choices is one such deficiency, especially deficiency of major vitamins and minerals. Its consequence is that dental problems start occurring at a young age. Due to lack of nutrition, tooth structure becomes weak and there is a possibility of more cavities due to thin enamel. Children who consume more sugar and acidic food have a more risk of developing dental caries. Whereas lack of necessary nutrition in their teeth, they cannot repair minor damage.
Key Nutrients for Strong Teeth
Calcium and Phosphorus: Building Blocks of Healthy Teeth
Calcium and phosphorus are the main essential minerals for teeth and bones. They are combined with foam of hydroxyapatite, a mineralized compound that strengthens the hard outer layer of your teeth (enamel). These nutritions in the right amounts help to harden your teeth and prevent cracking in them.
Sources:
- Dairy products
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- kale ( salad leaves)
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Seeds (e.g., almonds and sunflower seeds)
Vitamin D : The Facilitator of Calcium Absorption
Calcium is absorbed through Vitamin D. It absorbs the food that is in our bloodstream. If the body does not get the required amount of Vitamin D, then the teeth and bones become weak. And due to this, the chances of getting cavities increase a lot and defects start appearing in the teeth as well.
Sources:
- Sunlight
- fortified milk,
- orange juice
- Cereals
- fatty fish like salmon and mackerel
Vitamin C: Strengthening Gums and Soft Tissue Health
Vitamin C is essential for the health of our gums and the soft tissue under our mouth. It helps in the formation of collagen. This is very important as it keeps our overall gums healthy. Generally, due to the deficiency of vitamin C, children’s gums become swollen and start bleeding, a condition which is also known as gingivitis.
Sources:
- Citrus fruits
- oranges
- Lemons
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
Fluoride: Nature’s Cavity Fighter
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your teeth and protects your teeth from acid attacks like those that cause cavities. It also helps prevent tooth decay in the early stages and strengthens enamel when it’s weak.
Sources:
- Fluoridated water
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Mouth rinses
- Tea
- Fish
- fruits