Your Questions

• What is a pediatric dentist?
• When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
• What will happen at my child’s first dental visit?
• Why should decayed baby teeth be fixed?
• Why does my child need X-rays?
• How should I care for my child’s teeth?
• Does my child’s diet affect their teeth?
• What are sealants?
• What is Baby Bottle Decay?
• When will my baby start getting teeth?
• My child has a dental emergency. What should I do?
• How safe is fluoride?

Does my child’s diet affect their teeth?

Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth need a well balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that children eat can lead to cavities. The more often a child snacks, the greater the chances for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role in tooth decay. For example, sticky candy stays in the mouth a long time, which causes longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If you child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese which are healthier and better for children’s teeth.