Children need to limit the intake of these types of food to protect their teeth and gums against damage. It takes effort, especially if you're already too tired for debate, but it'll pay off as they grow up with good oral health.

That being said, take note of these snacks that can be bad for children’s teeth.

1. Dried fruits. Stay away from them even though the packaging says they’re healthy, choose fresh fruits instead. Dried fruits are often sticky and sugary. They lose a lot of nutrients during the manufacturing process and become like candies. They get stuck into your child’s teeth and the longer they stay in the mouth, the more likely they are to turn into harmful acids.
   
   
2. Citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, mandarins and other citrus fruits are supposed to be healthy, right? Then, why are they on this list? These fruits are rich with vitamin C, which is also good for the gums and the body, but they’re also highly acidic. Prolonged exposure to the acid in citrus fruits can cause the enamel to break down and make your child more vulnerable to cavities. This doesn't mean though that your little ones can no longer enjoy citrus fruits. You can still give them these snacks but be sure to wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing their teeth after.
   
   
3. Bread and pasta. Consume starchy food in moderation to keep them from damaging your child’s teeth. Bread, pasta, and chips can turn into sugar and get stuck on the teeth. The longer they sit on the teeth, the more likely it is for cavities to form too. Starchy food can be hard to remove with brushing alone. Let go of the traditional white bread too and switch to whole-wheat bread that's less likely to stick to the teeth.
   
   
4. Pickled vegetables. Limit the intake of pickled cucumbers or any pickled vegetables as they are also highly acidic. Pickled foods use vinegar, which is as acidic as lemons. The acid in vinegar can cause the teeth to erode, lose minerals, and decay. Put the pickles in their sandwich instead to lessen direct contact with their teeth.
   
   
5. Popcorns. Popcorn isn't acidic nor sugary, but it can also be harmful to the teeth. Crunching down on unpopped kernels can cause chipped teeth. Popcorn is likely to get stuck between the teeth, serve as food for bacteria, and cause tooth decay. If a popcorn kernel isn’t removed it could lead to abscess and infection. If your child eats popcorn, floss their teeth afterward and be sure to watch out for the hard kernels.