How A Baby's Diet Affects Their Teeth
A baby's diet has a pretty big influence on the dental health of the baby. The wrong diet can wreck a baby's teeth, and the right diet can help the baby have strong and healthy teeth. Below are some of the negative effects that a wrong diet can have on a baby's teeth.
Teeth Decay
Dental decay is a serious risk of poor eating habits. Foods that contain sugar or that can be processed to produce sugar are the main culprits. The longer the sugar remains on the teeth, the more time the bacteria have to feed on it. The bacteria produce acids, and it is the acids that cause teeth decay. Matters are worsened by the fact that many treats or snacks for kids contain sugar. For example, some kids suck on their milk or juice bottles all day long, which means their teeth are coated in sugar and bacteria all the time.
Weak Teeth
All growth and development activities that occur in the body come from food. This includes the growth and development of teeth. When the body doesn't get the nutrients and minerals it needs for dental growth and development, then poor dental growth ensues. For example, teeth need phosphorous and calcium, and if a child doesn't get those minerals in their diet, they will develop weak teeth (and bones).
Discolored Teeth
Various things can cause tooth discoloration, and diet is one of them. Colored foods and drink may pass through the enamel pores and get trapped, thereby causing teeth stains. Taking colored foods and drinks now and then may not cause much discoloration. The problem arises when the foods responsible for discoloration becomes available for a kid to eat all the time. Some of the foods that can cause discoloration include coffee, cola, and even fruits and vegetables such as apples.
Demineralization
A tooth is primarily made from calcium and phosphorous minerals. Demineralization is the process by which teeth lose some of their mineral content. Although teeth demineralization is usually a factor of aging, various things can also cause demineralization in kids, and diet is one of them. Acidic foods, such as lemon juice, sports drinks, and citrus fruits can all dissolve and erode the teeth enamel. Demineralization increases teeth susceptibility to bacterial attack and also increases the risk of teeth discoloration.
Feed your child on a healthy diet, limit their sugary snacks, and help the child maintain a clean mouth. Don't forget regular dental checkups for the child and ask your kid's dentist for further tips on healthy teeth for your baby.