You do everything you can to keep your kids healthy. You make sure they eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of exercise, brush and floss their teeth regularly, and see their pediatric dentist in Kansas City at least twice a year. Yet, did you know that something considered healthy may be hurting your family’s teeth? 

Fabulous Fruits

The USDA recommends that adults get two servings of fruit a day, the American Heart Association recommends four to five servings, and the CDC recommends 1-2 cups a day for kids, making fruit a pretty essential part of everyone’s diet. Fruits are packed with vitamins and can be an excellent snack. However, not all fruits are optimal in the same way, especially when it comes to oral health. 

Sugars & Acids

Fruits are often considered a healthy treat. After all, they do contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. But when it comes to teeth, some fruits are better than others mainly because of the sugar or acid content. Sugars and acids can wreak havoc on tooth enamel and weaken it. Once the enamel erodes it can lead to several oral concerns, including an increased risk of decay. Keep an eye for the following signs of enamel erosion: 

• Increased Sensitivity
• Tooth Cracking
• Tooth Discoloration
• Transparent Teeth

If you notice any symptoms of enamel erosion in your kids’ teeth, contact your pediatric dentist in Kansas City. 

What Fruit Can Help Teeth? 

Now, we aren’t suggesting that you forego fruits. They are a necessary part of any healthy diet, and their whole-health benefits are well worth it. However, when it comes to making choices that can be both good for kids’ bodies and their teeth, consider options that contain a lot of water such as: 

• Apples
• Pears
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew

Be Wary of These Fruits

Other types of fruit aren’t as good for teeth as others but may still provide necessary nutrients, so it’s important to find balance in what you eat. Some fruits that may be tougher on teeth include: 

• Lemons
• Grapefruit
• Pineapple 
• Limes

Moderation is Key

As we’ve mentioned before, eating fruit is still an important part of making sure that your body gets all of the nutrients it needs. But your pediatric dentist in Kansas City would suggest that kids enjoy fruits high in sugar or highly acidic in moderation, and even rinse their mouths out with water when they’re done eating. Another important note that relates to juice, sipping fruit juice can expose teeth to even more sugars and acids than whole, raw fruits. Whenever possible, choose natural fruits over juice. 

We’re always welcoming new patients from Johnson County and the Kansas City area at all of our pediatric dental offices in Overland Park, Prairie Village, Olathe, and Kansas City!