Blog

Is All Fruit Healthy for Your Child’s Teeth?

Young boy eating apple as recommended by Irving kid’s dentist Adding more fruits to your child’s daily diet is a delicious and natural way to help them improve their oral health. Certain foods can help strengthen enamel, reduce cavities, and keep periodontal disease at bay.  However, there are some healthy options that should be limited to protect your little one’s teeth and gums.  Your Irving kid’s dentist explains how you can keep your son or daughter’s smile healthy with the right fruits!

Can Fruit be Bad for Teeth?

Fruits are brimming with a variety of vitamins and minerals that are important for both your child’s oral and overall health. However, they’re not all equally beneficial. Some items you should limit or avoid include:

  • Dried fruit: These sticky, chewy snacks contain much more sugar than their hydrated counterparts and can cause more cavities as a result.
  • Sugary fruit juice: While they may have more nutrients, some juices contain just as much sugar and are just as acidic as a can of soda.
  • Citrus fruits: Eating too many acidic citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits can soften your child’s enamel and leave it more susceptible to decay.

Top 3 Smile-Friendly Fruits for Kids

Thankfully, there are plenty of fruits that can keep a growing smile healthy and strong. Some of the best options for your little one to snack on are:

  • Apples: Eating more apples can help prevent cavities since they contain high amounts of fiber and water. They gently scrub away plaque from your child’s teeth and help wash away any lingering particles. As an added bonus, they can also help fight bad breath!
  • Kiwis: Although dairy products are well-known for containing calcium, kiwis are another excellent source of this important mineral. Calcium fortifies enamel and strengthens both the jawbone and the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place.
  • Strawberries: To add more vitamin C to your son or daughter’s diet while protecting them from acidic citrus fruits, give them more strawberries. A half cup of these popular berries supplies about 70% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. Additionally, it helps produce collagen, which is essential for strong, healthy gums.

Adding more fruit into your son or daughter’s life is a great way to impact their overall health and their smile. When choosing their foods, keep these healthy snack suggestions from your Irving family dentist in mind to help boost their oral health.

About the Practice

At Rio Dental & Orthodontics in Irving, Farmers Branch, and Fort Worth, TX, we want your son or daughter to enjoy taking care of their smile. That’s why we’ve created a fun-filled environment to help them feel as relaxed and confident as possible. When they’re in the dentist’s chair, our board-certified pediatric dentists will make sure they get the specialized treatments they need and the great experience they deserve. To learn more about our children’s dentistry services, feel free to contact any of our offices at our website or the phone numbers listed there.

Client Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

Patient Info

  • Your Child's First Visit
  • Baby's First Appointment
  • Appointment Scheduling
  • Insurance
  • Finances
  • CareCredit

You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

We're social

Check Us Out on Instagram

Contact Us Today!

Make An Appointment

    Farmers Branch

    2740 Valwood Pkwy #144
    Farmers Branch, TX 75234

    (972) 746 2533

    Irving

    1111 W Airport Fwy #201
    Irving, TX 75062

    (972) 793-0735

    Fort Worth

    1114 N Beach St
    Fort Worth, TX 76111

    (817) 768-3838

    Dallas

    9310 E R L Thornton Fwy.
    Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75228

    (972) 885-8089
    Are you a patient?
    Leave us a review!