Is your little one a picky eater? Picky eaters graze throughout the day and consume unhealthy foods and drinks. I become concerned with young picky eaters for two reasons: Reason 1: continuously eating throughout the day means they are not giving their mouth a break and allowing saliva to neutralise acids. So they are more prone to decay – especially in baby teeth. Children with decay in their baby teeth are 3x more likely to get decay in their adult teeth. Reason 2: when they do eat, they are more likely to choose unhealthy foods because it tastes ‘better’ or the flavours are stronger.
Tooth decay is the MOST common chronic disease in children – even more common than asthma
Holes in baby teeth
So why does a dentist care about these issues?
- At Riverstone Family Dental, I offer services specific for children
- I have found first hand that fussy eaters have more holes in their baby teeth.
- Statistics show tooth decay is the MOST common chronic disease in children – even more common than asthma.
- Because tooth decay can cause pain, sickness and ongoing treatment; preventing it means we can help kids lead happier and healthier lives.
Picky Eater Food Ideas
At the end of the day, mum knows best! No one knows your child better than you do, here are some ideas I’ve picked up from mums:
- Use fun shaped ice cubes and straws in tap water rather than soft drinks/cordials/fruit juices
- Try very small servings of their disliked foods (e.g. 3 green peas)
- Kids need to see the food 10-15 times before they are ready to try it
- Have meals together in a calm setting and at similar times. Try and create a routine and not have too many distractions.
- Get the kids involved in selecting, buying and cooking healthy food. Get them part of the process.
- Avoid rewarding kids with food and give positive feedback for the habits you want continued, for example “you’re doing such a great job setting the table”.
- Grate fruits and veggies and mix them into dishes such as spaghetti/pasta meals.
- Choose healthy food as snacks- fruits, veggies with cheese or hummus, yoghurt or plain popcorn between meals.
New routines take time, try and be patient as your kids adjust to these new habits.
If you would like some Oral Health Brochures, call us on (02) 8678 3538.
We are a caring, family dental practice located in Riverstone. We are within 10 minutes from Rouse Hill, Vineyard, Schofields, The Ponds, Marsden Park and Box Hill.
