One of the key roles of parenting is teaching children effective dental care practices to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. While it’s vital to promote regular brushing and flossing, providing a nutritious diet is equally important for optimal oral health.
“Nutrition and diet significantly influence children’s oral health and jaw development by supplying crucial nutrients for strong teeth, gums, and bones,” explains Priya Mistry, DDS, a dentist from Washington with specialization in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders (TMD) pertain to any dysfunction in the jaw muscles and joints.
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Children benefit from chewing
According to Mistry, offering children a variety of textures and consistencies in their meals—especially hard, chewy foods—supports proper jaw development and overall oral health. “Chewing nutrient-dense, harder foods promotes the growth of jaw muscles and adequate jawbone development, ensuring ample space for teeth to grow in properly,” she states.
“On the other hand, diets rich in soft, processed foods can impede jaw development, potentially resulting in crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and other complications,” she adds. Poor jaw development may also lead to breathing difficulties if it doesn’t sufficiently support the airway, along with potential delays in speech due to underdeveloped jaw muscles.
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Best foods for oral health
“The most beneficial foods for strong teeth, bones, and gums are whole, unprocessed foods that necessitate chewing,” states Mistry. This includes raw fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, apples, and pears. Nuts and seeds like almonds, pistachios, and sunflower seeds are excellent choices as well. Hearty grains like brown rice, granola, and whole grain bread can strengthen jaw muscles. Mistry also points out that tougher protein options like beef jerky and lean, organic meats promote more chewing.
“As a mother of two, I understand how challenging it can be to encourage kids to eat healthily, especially when they prefer less nutritious options like mac and cheese or chicken nuggets,” notes Mistry. When her kids request sweets, such as lollipops, she encourages them to have nutritious foods first, like apple slices, to foster healthy eating habits.
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Recognizing jaw or bite issues
“Your jaw joints are the most active joints in your body, involved each time you speak, chew, swallow, or even breathe,” Mistry explains. She emphasizes that parents should monitor their children’s jaw development over time, as recognizing issues early can significantly influence both oral and overall health.
Some indicators of jaw problems, according to Mistry, include teeth grinding, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, snoring, or sleeping with the mouth open. Head or ear pain can also be a warning sign.
She recommends home remedies like applying ice or heat, offering soft foods, and steering clear of chewing gum to alleviate discomfort. Gentle self-massage of the neck and jaw can also provide relief. However, if pain persists, consulting an expert like Mistry is advisable.
Ultimately, combining a nutritious diet with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups gives children the best chance for maintaining healthy teeth and jaws, along with bright smiles throughout their lives.
This article was initially published in the September/October 2025 issue of alive magazine (US edition).
