HEALTHY FAMILY
Healthy DIET,
Healthy BY JENNIFER MARINO WALTERS
30 WashingtonFAMILY FEBRUARY 2021
F ebruary is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and this year’s
theme is “Water: Nature’s Drink.” We all know that drinking enough
water is important for our health, but how much does it really have to
do with teeth? A lot, it turns out.

“The diet is among the leading causes of tooth decay in children,” says Dr.

Srotalina Khanna, a dentist at Bethesda Family Smiles. “Sugary foods and drinks
can cause damage to the teeth that become decay and cavities.”
When these sugary items sit on the surface of teeth for extended periods of
time, bacteria develop around them. The bacteria eat away at the enamel and
create holes, or cavities, in the teeth. Cavities can cause pain and infections as
well as speech, eating and learning problems.

Unfortunately, cavities are among the most common chronic childhood
MEHMET HILMI BARCIN/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
How the foods and
drinks your children
consume can affect
their oral health



nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf. (If it doesn’t have
enough, ask your child’s dentist if he or she
should take fluoride supplements.)
You should also have your child avoid
foods that contain excess sugars, such
as candy, cookies and other sweets. Be
extra careful with sticky foods like dried
fruits and fruit snacks, which tend to stay
on teeth longer than other types of food.

The best diet for your kids’ health—and
their teeth—is a varied one that includes
lean meats and fish, whole grains, cheese,
yogurt, fruits and vegetables.

But let’s be honest—the chances of
eliminating sugary foods and drinks
altogether are pretty slim. So, it’s best to
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pediatric practice because the dentist and
hygienist have experience working with
kids and making them feel comfortable.

Kristin Fuerst, a Maryland mom of two,
says her kids actually get excited to go to
their pediatric dentist.

“The environment is inviting, and the
staff is kid-centric. They show movies and
they give great prizes,” says Fuerst.

Encourage proper brushing
Although the average person brushes for
45 seconds, the proper brushing time is
two minutes, twice a day (morning and
evening). Khanna suggests using a timer or
singing a two-minute song to ensure your
feed these items to your children alongside
or shortly after meals. Saliva production
increases during meals, which helps to rinse
away food particles and eliminate acids
produced by bacteria.

Proper oral hygiene and dental care can
also help to keep your kids’ teeth healthy.

You can also take the following measures:
child brushes long enough. Try to make
sure that time is divided evenly among all
of the areas of the mouth. Use a brush with
soft bristles to protect your child’s sensitive
gums, and be sure to help until he or she is
ready to brush alone.

Generally, it’s best to use a nonfluoride
toothpaste until your child turns 2, then
switch to one with fluoride. Use toothpaste
and mouthwash with flavors or characters
Start early
that appeal to your child so he or she will be
diseases in the U.S. According to the Centers Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean
for Disease Control and Prevention, about
cloth twice a day, in the morning and right less likely to resist.

“I rotate the flavors so my kids get
20% of children ages 5 to 11 and 13% of
before bed.

excited to try something new, which makes
adolescents ages 12 to 19 have at least one
them actually want to brush,” says Fuerst.

untreated cavity.

Visit the dentist regularly
Remember that kids who develop good
That is why it is best to have your child
Take your child to the dentist every six
oral hygiene habits when they’re young are
drink water instead of sugary juices and
months as soon as he or she turns 1 year
more likely to continue those habits into
sodas. Tap water containing fluoride also
old or the first tooth appears. “This will
adulthood. Taking care of your children’s
makes teeth stronger and protects them
develop good oral hygiene habits and get
from decay. You can find out if your water
kids comfortable learning how to brush and teeth now—even if they still have their
baby teeth—will also help to protect their
has enough fluoride—the optimal amount
floss at home,” says Khanna.

teeth in the future. n
is 0.7 milligrams per liter—by visiting
It’s a good idea to find a family or
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