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Townley Dental
7380 McCowan Rd
Markham,
ON L3S 3H8

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Your Checklist for Healthy Mouths

A healthy lunch and snack should definitely be part of your chid's regular eating
habits.

A good nutrition program for your child includes:

Choosing foods from all four food groups

Cheese, yogurt and milk, which all contain calcium,
a mineral that strengthens teeth and can help prevent cavities

Smart snacking between meals

Drinking milk, water or pure fruit juices instead of so-called "sport" or
carbonated drinks

Cutting down on sugar

A visit to your dentist every six months

And here are some further links to help you learn more about nutrition and healthy
eating:

· Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating
· Dietitians of Canada
· EatRight Ontario

Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feed on sugar from foods and produce acid that
harms teeth. All foods and drinks, except water, can contribute to tooth decay in this
way.

Here are a few tips to cut down on sugar:

· Make unsweetened, unflavoured milk or water your first choices

· Try fresh or unsweetened canned fruits and vegetables; whole grain crackers and
breads when selecting a snack

· Limit carbonated drinks and sweetened fruit juices, as they contain sugar and
acids that cause tooth decay.

· Choose fruit for dessert

· Save sweets for mealtimes, when they are less likely to harm your child’s teeth
and when saliva flow is greater

Smart Snacking

Growing children and teens often need more than three meals a day. Smart snacking will
ensure they have the energy they need to keep pace with their busy schedules

· Limit the number of times a day your child eats or drinks sugars

· Avoid sugary treats that stay in the mouth for a long time, like hard candy or
lollipops

· Avoid soft, sticky sweets that get stuck in your child’s teeth

· Serve sweets for dessert while there is still plenty of saliva in your child’s mouth to wash away the sugars

· Serve juice and milk during or at the end of mealtime. Drink tap water between meals

· Have your child brush her teeth at least twice a day and before going to bed

· Serve vegetables, fruit and cheese for snacks

 

More Great Links