How Soft Foods Can Impact Your Child's Jaw Development

Brought to you by Laguna Hills Family Dentistry,

we often want to make eating easier for our kids—especially when they’re teething, fussy, or just learning to chew. But did you know that consistently giving your child only soft foods may actually affect how their jaw grows?

Let’s break down why a balanced diet that includes chewing plays a bigger role than you might think in your child’s oral health.

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Why Jaw Growth Matters

A well-developed jaw helps ensure:

Straight, uncrowded teeth

A strong, aligned bite

Clearer airways and breathing

Better speech development

If the jaw doesn’t grow to its full potential, there may not be enough room for all the permanent teeth. This can lead to issues like crowding, impacted teeth, and even the need for braces or surgery later on.

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The Problem with Too Much Soft Food

When kids only eat soft foods (like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pasta, and smoothies), they don’t get to use their jaw muscles much. Chewing is like exercise for the mouth. It helps the bones, joints, and muscles grow stronger and more balanced.

Just like lifting weights helps your arms grow stronger, chewing firm foods helps the jaws develop properly.

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What Science Says

Studies show that children raised on a soft-food diet tend to develop smaller jaws and narrower dental arches compared to those who chew tougher foods. This can increase the risk of:

Crooked or crowded teeth

Mouth breathing

Jaw joint issues (like TMJ disorders)

Underdeveloped facial structures

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What Can You Do?

You don’t need to eliminate soft foods altogether—but try to balance your child’s meals with foods that require real chewing.

Here are some great options:

Raw fruits and vegetables (like apples, carrots, celery)

Toasted whole grain bread

Dried fruits (like apricots or figs, for older kids)

Nuts and seeds (for safe ages)

Chewy meats (like chicken or beef strips)

Introduce these as your child’s teeth and chewing skills develop. And always supervise young children with foods that could be choking hazards.

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A Note from Our Office

At Laguna Hills Family Dentistry, we look at more than just cavities—we care about how your child’s whole mouth is developing. If you’re unsure whether your child’s jaw is growing properly, we’d love to take a look and answer your questions.

Healthy chewing habits start young—and they can make a big difference for a lifetime.

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Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with us today!

24407 Calle De La Louisa Ste. 200 Laguna Hills CA 92653

(949)588-7525

#dentistry for children, #pedodontist, #Healthy teeth