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Nutrition and Dental Health
At Shine Pediatric Dental Co., we talk about food a lot. Not in a judgmental way, and not with a long list of rules. Mostly in the context of what we actually see in kids’ mouths every day here in Round Rock and nearby places like Pflugerville, Hutto, and Austin.
Dr. Sarah Severson often points out that cavities don’t just come from candy. They come from habits. What kids sip during the day. How often they snack. What sticks around on teeth long after a meal is over.
You Are What You Eat
Instead of grazing from morning to night, it helps to stick to meals and keep snacks to once or twice a day. Simple options tend to work best. Cheese cubes. Apple slices. Carrots. A handful of almonds if age-appropriate. Snacks that don’t cling to teeth or dissolve into sugar right away.
Limiting Sugars and Processed Foods
This doesn’t mean kids can’t ever have sweets. It just means timing matters. Treats with meals are easier on teeth than treats spread throughout the day. Rinsing with water afterward helps more than people realize.
Hydration and Dental Health
Milk with meals is usually fine. Juice is better saved for occasional use, not an all-day habit.
Key Nutrients for Children's Dental Health
- Calcium: Teeth and bones rely on calcium to stay firm. Most kids get it from dairy, but leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant-based milks count too. What matters is consistency, not perfection.
- Vitamin D: Calcium doesn’t do much without vitamin D. Sunlight helps. So do foods like salmon, egg yolks, and fortified cereals. Many kids come up short here, especially if they’re indoors a lot.
- Phosphorus: This one doesn’t get talked about much, but it matters for enamel. You’ll find it in everyday foods like chicken, lean meats, dairy, beans, and nuts. It usually shows up when meals are balanced.
- Vitamin C: Healthy gums need vitamin C. Without it, gum tissue gets irritated more easily. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are common sources, and most kids will eat at least one of those.
- Vitamin A: This supports the tissues inside the mouth. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens are solid options. Even small amounts help when they show up regularly.
We don’t expect perfect diets. We look for patterns. Small changes, done consistently, tend to matter more than big overhauls that don’t stick.
Call Shine Pediatric Dental Co. Today
If you have questions about how your child’s eating habits might be affecting their teeth, bring them up at your next visit. These are everyday conversations in our office.
Call Shine Pediatric Dental Co. in Round Rock to schedule an appointment and talk through what makes sense for your child and your routine.
