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Nutritional Advice for Healthy Teeth

We talk a lot about brushing and flossing—but what your child eats and drinks plays a huge role in their oral health. Here are Dr. Dan's go-to tips for snacks, drinks, and habits that support strong, cavity-free teeth.

Smart snack and drink choices that protect your child’s smile

🥕 Crunchy Fruits & Veggies

Crunchy, fibrous fruits and veggies can actually help clean teeth while you eat them!

Great options include:

  • Apples 🍎
  • Carrots 🥕
  • Cucumbers 🥒

These foods are low in sugar, packed with vitamins, and their texture helps wipe away plaque as your child crunches.

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🧀 Dairy Snacks That Work Double Duty

Dairy snacks like string cheese and plain Greek yogurt are amazing for teeth:

  • Low (or no) sugar
  • High in calcium for strong enamel
  • Contain a special protein called casein, which may help fight cavity-causing bacteria

Choose plain, unsweetened options whenever possible. Add fresh berries or a little cinnamon for flavor!

🍓 Low-Sugar Fruits to Love

Not all fruits are high in sugar!

These are some great low-sugar, tooth-friendly choices:

  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries

Serve them fresh and rinse with water after for the best result.

🥜 Smart Snack Swaps

If your child is old enough (and doesn't have nut allergies), nuts like almonds make a great filling snack.

Bonus tip: Try snacks made with alternative flours like almond or coconut flour — they’re much less sticky and don’t linger in the grooves of teeth the way white flour snacks do.

Snacks to limit:

  • Goldfish crackers
  • Animal crackers
  • Chips, pretzels, and other white flour-based snacks

These can turn into a sticky paste in the mouth, get trapped in the teeth, and slowly break down into sugar.

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💧 Water Is the MVP

The best drink for healthy teeth? Water, water, water!

  • Rinses away sugars and acids
  • Helps keep mouth pH neutral
  • Encourages saliva production (which protects enamel)

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🧃 What to Avoid (or Limit)

  • Juices (even 100% juice) often contain as much sugar as soda
  • Soda, iced tea, and sports drinks are very acidic – even if they’re sugar-free – and can erode enamel over time
  • Frequent sipping of any sweetened or acidic beverage increases the risk of cavities

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⏰ Final Tip: Timing Matters

Snacking all day (even on healthy foods!) keeps teeth exposed to acids longer. Try to keep snack times structured and rinse with water after.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

Whether it's time for a routine check-up or you're seeking expert advice on teeth extraction, Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family's dental health needs. Contact us today at Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s visit with Dr. Dan Dinowitz.

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