Regular brushing and flossing are important parts of a child’s dental care routine, but it doesn’t stop there. The pediatric dentists at Hawaii’s Pedodontic Associates provide outstanding services for children on Oahu and Maui, and they stress the importance of eating properly to keep teeth and gums in excellent condition. Even healthy foods can take a toll on teeth over time, so it’s important to watch for certain offenders that can cause everything from plaque to staining.

Dental Care Advice: 5 Foods That Can Damage Your Child’s Teeth

Hard Candy

It might seem innocuous, but hard candy is one of the greatest foes of teeth. It’s loaded with sugar that can lead to cavities. If your child bites down on a piece of hard candy, they even could crack or chip a tooth.

Popcorn

It’s a delicious snack, but popcorn is a frustrating food for your teeth. Kernels can lodge between teeth, and dental care professionals warn they even might lead to a gum infection that requires antibiotics if they aren’t removed by brushing or flossing.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are healthy but surprisingly loaded with sugar — and some snacks even have sugar on top of what exists in the fruit. Dried fruits also are very chewy and can get stuck between teeth or in braces.

Dark-Colored Foods

Whether it’s tomato sauce, iced tea, or soy sauce, dark-colored foods and drinks produce effects that linger long after they’ve been consumed. They can discolor teeth over time, so have your child brush or swish water in their mouth immediately after eating or drinking them.

Citrus

Oranges and grapefruits are healthy foods that are rich in Vitamin C but also highly acidic. That means they can erode the enamel on teeth and make them more susceptible to decay. Citrus fruits also can irritate mouth sores. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after eating citrus.

It’s impossible to avoid all foods and drinks that are bad for teeth, so pediatric dentists recommend enjoying everything in moderation. Brush immediately after eating when possible, and arrange for regular dental care to keep teeth clean and ensure gums are healthy. To schedule a dental exam on Oahu or Maui, call Pedodontic Associates at (808) 487-7933 in Aiea, (808) 735-1733 in Honolulu, or (808) 877-0066 in Kahului. Visit their website to learn more about the best children’s dentists in Hawaii.