How a Poor Diet Affects Children's Teeth
Good nutrition starts in the
mouth. Saliva mixes with food to travel into the stomach for further
digestion. Eating a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, lean
protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are naturally low in sugar and
have abundant vitamins and minerals. Children that eat a poor diet such
as potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are at risk for
developing teeth problems.
Too Much Sugar
Potato
chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are high in sugar and
calories. The sugar content in these food stick to the surface of teeth.
Bacteria feeds on the sugar and breaks down the enamel in teeth. Over
time, cavities, gum disease and rotten teeth will develop. Replacing
high sugar foods with low calorie sugars or decreasing the amount of
high sugar foods will help prevent teeth complications.
Eating Too Much
Many
children eat in front of the TV, computer, on the phone or while
playing video games. When this happens, children become unaware of how
much and how long they have eaten. As soon as 5 minutes after eating, if
plaque isn't brushed away, bacteria starts to feed on food particles
stuck in teeth; therefore eroding the enamel of teeth. If a child has
been eating for prolonged period, this is detrimental to the teeth and
body. Eating too much will cause weight gain.
- Remedy
Consume More Calcium
A
diet poor in calcium may lead to cracked, chipped and decayed teeth.
Calcium is needed for developing strong bones and teeth. Strong teeth
prevent cracking, chipping and decay from occurring. Calcium is found in
dairy foods such as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt and the U.S.
Department of Argiculture recommends 2 to 3 cups a day of low fat dairy.
One cup of milk, 1 cup yogurt, and 1.5 oz. of cheese counts as a single
serving size.
Fluoride
Fluoride
is found naturally in some foods and beverages. This helps protect
teeth against cavities and teeth decay. Flouride is often placed in
community drinking water. The American Dietetic Association states
fluoride is an important element for mineralized tissue and development
of bone in teeth. The recommended dietary allowance is 3 to 4 mg daily.
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