As a parent, you know what your child eats affects their overall dental health. Ask any kids’ dentist, and they’ll tell you sugary treats should be avoided at all costs. However, a toddler with a sweet tooth is hard to deny. Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, knows you need realistic ideas about how to protect your children’s teeth. Here, they share a list of foods you should and shouldn’t feed your kids.

Oahu Kids’ Dentist Shares Healthy Food Choices

1. Gummies vs. Fresh Fruit

Gummies come in fun shapes and often feature favorite characters on the box, but even the ones made with real fruit aren’t good for young teeth. They’re extremely sticky, and the leftovers that get stuck to teeth turn into plaque. Fresh fruit is a better option. Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and other types of fruit will satisfy your child’s need for something sweet without causing cavities.

2. White vs. Wheat Bread

Bread seems like it’s healthy, but white bread is packed with preservatives and full of starch. Starchy foods aren’t good for teeth, and the simple switch from white bread to wheat will make a big difference in your child’s health. Look for bread made from whole-wheat flour or whole-grain rye.

3. Juice vs. Chocolate Milk

If your child is craving something sweet to drink, remember that, while juice seems healthy, it’s packed with sugar. Most juice brands also use ingredients like artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup. Chocolate milk is a tasty alternative that’s also good for teeth. Dairy contains calcium to help build strong teeth and keep gums healthy. However, children should still brush their teeth after drinking chocolate milk to ensure plaque doesn’t develop.

The changes you make for your children’s teeth don’t have to be drastic. Start by introducing your kids to these healthy substitutes. Talk to them about dental hygiene and explain how what they eat affects their teeth. For backup, schedule an appointment with the kids’ dentist at Pediatric Dental Group on Oahu. Call (808) 593-8828 today to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about the practice.