Food choices and eating patterns can affect whether your child has problems like tooth decay and cavities. Snacks such as cookies, crackers, gummies, juice and soda are the major culprits in the development of cavities. Bacteria love these simple carbohydrates because they are easily “digestible,” and the bacteria then excrete an acid onto teeth that dissolves the enamel.
How often your child snacks or drinks anything sugary matters greatly. Acid from sugary foods and drinks attack teeth for 20 minutes or longer. If your child is eating or drinking something sugary every half hour, the cycle is barely disrupted, and that’s when tooth decay happens and cavities form.
Do not give your child an unlimited, unregulated supply of sugary foods and drinks. Offer water when they are thirsty, and limit foods to meals and planned snacks. For the content of snacks, choose nutritious ones such as fruits, veggies, nuts and cheeses. These are healthier options than giving them cookies, crackers (those popular fish-shaped ones are a major culprit), candy, potato chips and other sweet or sticky foods.
Save sweets as an ending for mealtime, when the mouth makes more saliva to help rinse out food particles. A healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks is not just good for healthy teeth, it’s better for overall well-being too.
Brought to you by:
treehousekidsdental.com
1611 J street Springfield, OR
541-515-6631
office@treehousekidsdental.com
Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.
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