### Important tips for a healthy diet for children's teeth - **Limit sugar consumption:** Minimize the consumption of added sugars and use fruits and vegetables instead. - **Regular brushing:** After every meal and before sleeping, brush the child's teeth for two minutes. - Flossing: Use dental floss regularly to clean between the teeth. - **Regular visits to the dentist:** Take the child to the dentist for an examination every 6 months. - **Drink water:** It is very important to encourage the child to drink water instead of carbonated soft drinks and industrial fruit juices. - **Present healthy foods in a fun way:** Use different shapes to cut fruits and vegetables to make eating more interesting for the child. Tooth decay in children: a serious challenge As we said earlier, tooth decay is one of the most common oral and dental problems in children. Excessive consumption of sugars and simple carbohydrates creates a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria in the mouth, and as a result, tooth enamel is damaged and decay begins. **How to prevent tooth decay in children?** - **Limit the consumption of added sugars:** Instead of candy, chocolate and carbonated drinks, give children fresh fruits, vegetables and water. - **Regular brushing:** At least twice a day and for two minutes, brush the child's teeth with a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste. - **Daily Flossing:** Floss regularly to clean between teeth and prevent plaque build-up. - **Regular visits to the dentist:** Take the child to the dentist every 6 months for a professional examination and cleaning of the teeth. The role of nutrition in children's dental health Healthy nutrition plays a very important role in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing caries. Nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are essential for building and strengthening teeth. - **Calcium for children's teeth:** Milk, yogurt, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables and some nuts are rich sources of calcium. - **Vitamin D for children's teeth:** This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium better. Sunlight, fatty fish, and some dairy products fortified with vitamin D are good sources. The best food for children's teeth To have healthy and strong teeth, it is better to use natural and healthy foods instead of processed and sweet foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and water are some of the best options for children. Prevention of tooth decay in children In order to prevent tooth decay in children, in addition to proper nutrition, special attention should be paid to their oral and dental hygiene. Teaching children to brush their teeth correctly, using fluoride and visiting the dentist regularly are among the important actions in this field. Why is proper nutrition important for children's teeth? - **Tooth decay:** Excessive consumption of sugars and simple carbohydrates creates a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria in the mouth and leads to tooth decay. - **Tooth enamel:** Nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus are necessary to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. - **Gums:** Vitamin C helps maintain the health of the gums and prevent gum diseases. Harmful foods for children's teeth - **Sugars:** The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid that damages tooth enamel. Acids: Acids in some foods, such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks, can soften tooth enamel and make it vulnerable to decay. - **Sticky foods:** Sticky foods such as gum and caramel easily stick to the teeth and provide a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria. The best foods for children's teeth 1. **Milk and dairy products:** - **Why?** Rich in calcium and phosphorus to build and strengthen teeth - **Examples:** Milk, yogurt, cheese 2. Fruits and vegetables: - **Why?** Contains vitamins, minerals and fiber for oral and dental health - **Examples:** Apple, carrot, strawberry, broccoli 3. **Nuts and seeds:** - **Why?** Rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium for bones and teeth - **Examples:** Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds 4. **whole grains:** - **Why?** Contains fiber and nutrients for the overall health of the body and teeth - **Examples:** whole grain bread, brown rice 5. **Water:** - **Why?** The best drink for maintaining oral and dental health, helping to wash the mouth and dilute bacteria **We have all heard that milk makes bones strong. But did you know that your overall diet also affects your oral health? The same is true for children. While children's nutritional needs change as they grow and develop, one thing is certain: foods that are good for the body are also good for the teeth. To learn how your children can get the nutrition they need, not only for healthy teeth, but for strong, confident, and strong growth and development,