Your child’s diet affects their oral health. Excessive consumption of sugary and starchy foods is the main culprit of tooth decay. If you let your kids munch on such food choices throughout the day without brushing their teeth afterwards, their risk for developing cavities increases.
Three Rivers Dental and other dentistry centers for kids in Kennewick share the common snacks that can cause tooth decay.
Soda and Sugary Beverages
Kids who drink too much soda and other sugary beverages are not just susceptible to tooth decay, but also other health conditions like obesity and diabetes. Regular consumption of such drinks also means constantly bathing the enamel with sugars and acid. This leads to dental erosion, which contributes to cavities, pain, and sensitivity. You should also be wary of fruit juices as alternatives, as they contain lots of sugar.
Starchy Foods
Common choices include chips, crackers, and cookies. The thing with these foods is that they can get stuck between teeth, fueling the bad bacteria in the mouth with sugar to attack the enamel. Regular brushing and flossing may not be completely effective if you regularly snack on such treats. If your child has eaten a starchy snack, it is best to make them rinse their mouth with water or brush their teeth after an hour.
Canned Fruits (in Syrup)
Fruits canned in heavy syrups are usually loaded with sugar. This can contribute to cavities and other health issues, especially if your child eats them frequently in large amounts. Dried fruits are not good substitutes, as they also contain lots of added sugars. The best way to eat fruit is to consume them as they are. Just make that your kids don’t eat too much to avoid damage to teeth.
The best treats for mouth include dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Water remains the healthiest beverage for oral and overall health. It is best to be wise about choosing snacks for your kids and make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day. Visiting the dentist is also recommended to detect and address problems before they get worse.
