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As a parent, your child’s health and well being are a top priority, and the same should be true of their oral health. Teaching good oral hygiene and the importance of oral health will set your child up for a lifetime of success with their teeth. The foods your child consumes also impacts the health of their teeth and your children’s dentist shares some of the worst culprits that cause tooth decay. You might find some of these surprising!
Candy and Fruit Snacks
We all understand that candies, especially hard or sticky ones can cause cavities or other damage to our teeth, but did you know that gummy fruit snacks are also guilty of promoting decay? This is because they can stick to small teeth and linger, giving sugar a chance to cause cavities.
Soda, Sports Drinks, and Juice
Soda is acidic and sugary, which is a double whammy for your teeth. Sugar is the fuel for the bacteria that causes tooth decay, and acids destroy enamel. Surprisingly, sports drinks are also very high in acids, which promotes tooth decay.
Fruit Juices also tend to be high in sugars, and some are also acidic. Have your child drink water after consuming these types of beverages, or just stick to water as their main drink choice.
Crackers and Chips
While you probably knew that cookies weren’t the best snack choice, you may not have realized that crackers and chips are also culprits of tooth decay. Foods high in starch and carbs also present a double whammy for your child’s teeth. This is because carbohydrates convert into sugar, and starch sticks to teeth, allowing the sugar to hang around much longer than it should.
Snacks You Should Choose
Eating fruits and vegetables benefits not only your child’s body, but also their oral health. Fruits and veggies actually increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away the food particles and debris that contribute to tooth decay. They also neutralize the acids that weaken enamel and promote cavities. Aged cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss also help increase saliva flow.
Choose these snacks isntead:
- Raw carrots or broccoli
- Apples
- Fruits with high water content such as melons or pears
Teaching your child to choose the right snacks now will help them make the right decisions for a lifetime of healthy and balanced eating.
About Island Daily Dental Care
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld welcomes children to Island Daily Dental Care starting around the age of three years old, unless parents have concerns early on. We focus on building a relationship with your child by keeping their appointments fun, educational, and upbeat.
You can contact Island Daily Dental Care on our website or by calling 631-573-4012.