Ensuring that children eat a balanced, healthy diet is often easier said than done, but good oral health depends on it.
The vitamins, calcium, potassium, fiber and protein found in a well-balanced diet are necessary for developing and maintaining healthy teeth as well as strong bones.
“Nutrition is important to children’s oral health because the foods they eat or don’t eat and the beverages they consume can have a direct impact on the status of their oral health,” said Lisa Harper Mallonee, assistant professor of dental hygiene and registered dietician at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry (BCD).
“Poor nutrient intake—either too much or too little—contributes to increased risk of cavities in the mouth, and the same foods that make us gain weight contribute to cavity formation. In contrast, a balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for gum tissue maintenance along with proper growth and development of teeth,” she explained.
“For many parents, deciding what foods are considered healthy can be the challenge,” said Kathleen Pace, assistant clinical professor of pediatric dentistry at BCD.
“It goes back to the old food pyramid,” said Pace. “Meals should include foods from the four major food groups—fruits and vegetables; breads and cereals; milk and dairy products; and meats, fish and eggs. I know as far as kids are concerned, it’s the same boring stuff, but it really is important for the development of healthy teeth.”
Pace and Harper Mallonee agree that snacking between meals should be limited. When snacks are selected, healthy choices include cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit.
“Any sugary, sticky foods are best eaten at meal time because more saliva is produced during a meal to help wash food from the mouth,” said Pace. “Each time food is eaten that contains sugars or starches, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.”
“The best thing parents can do to reinforce healthy eating habits in children is to set a good example,” said Harper Mallonee. “Provide a variety of foods as part of a balanced diet and encourage moderation of portions.”
This information was provided as a service by the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. For more information, contact your dentist, nutritionist or other health care provider. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.