You want to make sure you’re giving your child healthy food, without depriving them of occasional sweet treats.

Preparing nutritious dishes that appeal to children can involve a lot of effort and the occasional argument. Let’s make it a bit easier by exploring which snacks to avoid or limit.

These foods can harm your child's teeth and gums without you knowing:

1. Pickled vegetables. Pickles are tasty but not beneficial for the teeth. Although they’re made from vegetables, they’re preserved in a vinegar brine which is extremely acidic. Regular snacking on pickles can cause enamel erosion and lead to discolouration and heightened sensitivity. Pickled vegetables also have a high sugar content which isn’t good for the teeth either. Your child may still enjoy their sandwich with pickles, but it’s important to rinse with plain water afterward or brush their teeth.
   
   
2. Dried fruits. Aren’t fruits healthy? Fresh fruits are way better for the body. But dried fruits usually contain lots of sugar, and too much can attract harmful bacteria that combine with acids to wear enamel. Delicious as they are, dried fruits can be damaging to your child’s teeth. Try tooth-friendly snacks instead, such as non-acidic fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and nuts.
   
   
3. Hard candies. Help your child stay away from hard candies. They can be appealing to young children because of their sweet flavours, but they can also serve as a perfect food for harmful bacteria. Munching on hard candies can also lead to cracked teeth, which is never fun.
   
   
4. Citrus fruits. Fruits like lemons and oranges are high in vitamin C that's good for oral and general health. However, they’re also highly acidic. The acids in these fruits can weaken teeth and lead to enamel erosion. However, you and your children can still enjoy these fruits. Indulge during mealtimes when salivary flow is high. Or eat them with teeth-friendly snacks and a drink of water.
   
   
5. Starchy food like bread and pasta. These foods aren’t completely terrible. But they're highly likely to get stuck between teeth and remain there for a while, attracting bacteria. They’re harder to remove, so be sure your child flosses their teeth after enjoying starchy food.
   
   
6. Popcorn. Popcorn can be a healthy snack. But accidentally biting down on unpopped kernels can fracture or crack teeth. Kernel bits can also get stuck all over your child’s teeth. Harmful bacteria feed on food debris. If this progresses without dental care, it can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, gum problems, and infections. If your child is wearing an orthodontic device, unremoved bits of food can also damage the wires.

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy involves a lot more than brushing and flossing. Paying attention to the types of food they eat also helps them maintain a healthy smile.

Don’t forget to schedule them for routine dental checkups so your dentist can examine their mouth and spot potential issues early.

If you’re looking for a new family dentist in Northeast Calgary, get in touch with us today at (587) 317-9903. We provide general dentistry services to children and adults, and we're happy to help you find a convenient schedule for your family.