Fruit is loaded with lots of natural sugars. But it also contains plenty of important healthy nutrients too. But will the sugars in fruit cancel out all of the good things in it? Here’s what you need to know.
Why We Need Fruits for Healthy Smiles
Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber and vitamin C, which is especially important for combatting gingivitis. And you’ll find Omega-3 in fruits like mangos and berries, which is an important nutrient our body needs to ward off gum infections.
Remember the Form the Fruit Comes In
Certain types of fruit-filled foods and snacks can be just as bad for your teeth as other sugar-sweetened goodies. Fruit juice is liquifies the sugars in fruits which allows it to get in the valleys in the chewing surfaces of teeth and between the teeth. Additionally, dried fruit can be “stickier’ allowing it to get stuck on teeth. Canned fruit often has additional sugars added in to it.
Fresh fruit is often crisp or frictional against the teeth when bitten into. This abrasion of teeth against food can also help remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth.
If you’re battling a sweet tooth, splurge on some blueberries or strawberries with a little Greek yogurt instead of a popsicle, ice cream or candy. They’re more filling because of the fiber, and they won’t expose your child’s tooth enamel to all the added sugars you find in processed treats.
Snacking Frequency Makes a Difference
A huge factor that impacts cavity formation is how often you eat or snack throughout the day. Because each time food is consumed, acidic byproducts develop on our tooth enamel. Encourage your child to eat three square meals and one or two snacks at specific times, rather than grazing consistently throughout the day.
Don’t Forget the Veggies
The firmer textures of fresh vegetables are another healthy snack that “cleans” your teeth when you bite into them.
Keeping Young Smiles Healthy for Life
Reserve your child’s six-month checkup at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan to ensure their teeth are healthy and developing properly.
