Tooth Food
for Kids and Adults
The first thing to teach your children about preventive tooth care is that good eating habits are important. Foods that keep the whole body healthy will also keep teeth, gums and jawbones in good condition. Milk, cheese, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and cereals are excellent for healthy teeth and gums. If your child eats between meals, remember that snacks should be low in sugar. In-between-meal treats such as candy, cookies, ice cream, sugared chewing gum and sweet drinks may play havoc with a child's teeth. Bacteria which are normally present in the mouth combine with sugar to form acids - acids which attack tooth enamel. Eventually, it causes cavities.
When sweets are eaten between meals there is more apt to be a chance for cavities to develop, since the child will probably not brush right after - before acids have a chance to form. Some toothworthy snacks for children are: apples, oranges, bananas, plums, peaches, fruit juices, milk and cheese. The greater distance between sweet junk foods and teeth, the better.