During the child’s tooth replacement period, diet choice is particularly important, as it directly affects the healthy growth of the new teeth. Encourage children to eat foods with a certain hardness, such as fruits, carrots, and corn, these foods are rich in fiber and can gently stimulate the deciduous children’s milk teeth, promoting natural shedding. However, it is important to avoid overly stimulating foods, such as very cold foods and very hard nuts, to prevent injury to the tender new teeth.
Enhancing a child’s chewing ability is also crucial, as it not only exercises facial muscles but also promotes blood circulation. Ensure that children intake enough calcium, which can be naturally supplemented through foods such as dairy products and leafy vegetables, or use calcium tablets and supplements according to the doctor’s guidance. In addition, establishing good oral hygiene habits is essential, parents should guide children to use soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for children and mild toothpaste, adopt the correct brushing method – brushing up and down instead of horizontally, and set a good example to jointly maintain oral health. Rinsing with a mild saline solution after consuming sugary or acidic foods can effectively protect the teeth.
At this stage, children should be limited from consuming spicy, fried, heat-inducing, overly sticky, and fine foods. It is recommended to consume more whole grains and chewy meats, such as lamb, as these foods contribute to normal tooth development, avoiding problems like double row teeth, misaligned teeth, and deformities.
It is especially advised to let children directly gnaw on foods such as corn and apples, instead of pre-cutting or juicing them, to maintain the necessary chewing activity and promote the healthy development of the jawbone. Ingesting very hard foods, like gnawing on large bones, may damage the root of new teeth, leading to abnormal tooth growth. Therefore, while ensuring a balanced diet, paying attention to the appropriate hardness of food is essential for maintaining children’s dental health. Supplementation of calcium through natural foods such as fish and bone broth is both safe and effective, meeting children’s calcium needs during this period.
