Food Substitutions for Picky Eaters

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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Is your child a notoriously picky eater?  Many parents know that it isn’t always easy to get kids to eat healthy.  However, a healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free!  Here are a few tips and substitutions for kids who avoid healthy foods.

Food Substitutions For..

• Fruit –
• Fresh fruit - If your child won’t eat fresh fruits, try dried fruits such as apricots, pears, raisins, cherries, mangos, pineapples and bananas. 
• Whole fruit – If whole fruit is the problem, you can make pureed sauces for yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit.  Then, slowly introduce whole fruit into the mix.
• Citrus – Does your child dislike citrus fruits?  Strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, watermelon, and even potatoes are great sources of vitamin C.
• Alternatives - You can also try mixing fruits such as blueberries, chopped apples, and bananas in muffin, quick bread, and waffle batters.
• Vegetables –
• Green Leafy Vegetables - It’s common for kids to avoid green leafy vegetables.  Try dark-yellow and orange vegetables instead.  Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A. 
• Cooked Vegetables - Try raw vegetable sticks and salads.  You can also offer vegetable juice instead of fruit juice.
• Dairy – If your child doesn’t like cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods, consider soy and rice-based substitutes.  You can also ask your pediatrician about taking vitamin B12 and D supplements.
• Whole-Grain Breads – Try high-fiber white bread, whole wheat crackers or whole wheat pasta.

For more food substitutions and tips for healthy kids and healthy teeth, read this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more smile care tips!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

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