During the teething period of children, there are several types of food that are not suitable for them to eat, specifically including tetracycline drugs, excessive fluoride in water, sweets, and soda. The teething time varies for each child, but they will all go through the uncomfortable process of itchy gum. So, what are the suitable foods for children to eat at this stage?
Semi-solid foods are a good choice, such as mashed potatoes, egg yolk puree, oatmeal porridge, etc. These foods can help children gradually adapt to the transition from liquid to semi-solid foods, laying a foundation for introducing solid foods in the future and developing chewing abilities.
Nutrient-rich foods are also important, such as minced meat, finely minced meat, tomatoes, tofu, steamed eggs, and various vegetables, all providing the necessary nutrients for children’s growth.
As the front teeth and molars continue to grow, some foods with moderate hardness can be added appropriately, such as lettuce, corn, apples, etc., which help in the healthy development of teeth, promote oral muscle exercise, and ensure the alignment of teeth.
Introducing complementary foods at the right time is also crucial, such as rice cereal, wheat cereal, sweet potato puree, fruit puree, egg yolk, teething biscuits, etc., which not only ease the discomfort during teething but also exercise their chewing and swallowing abilities, strengthen facial muscle strength, promote the smooth eruption of deciduous teeth, and meet the nutritional needs of this stage.
In addition to the mentioned foods, the intake of vitamins is also crucial. Vitamin A has a significant role in eye health, being an important element in maintaining vision, and also protects the superficial cells of various parts of the body, including the lungs, throat, and digestive system. Beta-carotene in fruits can be converted into vitamin A in the body, being one of the important sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin B group is also essential, where vitamin B1 is unstable at high temperatures and its deficiency may lead to conditions like beriberi and constipation; vitamin B2 is water-soluble and unstable when heated, deficiency may lead to problems like angular stomatitis; and vitamin B6, as one of the commonly deficient nutrients in the body, is crucial for emotional stability but can be easily lost during processing or cooking. It is recommended to supplement the vitamin B group by consuming fruits like bananas, watermelon, and cantaloupe.
Proper food choices and adequate intake of vitamins play an important role in ensuring the nutrition and oral health of children during the teething period.
