As a parent we want our children to be healthy and strong, this includes their mouths and teeth. But also, as a parent, it can be very easy to hand your child a sugary treat that they have been begging for to make it a little easier on you and make them happy. You might think that one sugary treat is not bad, but within 20 seconds of consuming sugar, it combines with the bacteria in your mouth to form an acid that starts to damage your teeth. As time goes on, this wears away at the layers in enamel, eventually resulting in a cavity.
How Does Sugar Weaken Teeth?
We have all heard that sugar is not good for your teeth. But how does it affect your teeth? When the bacteria in the mouth have found that sugar they just ate, that sugar gets broken down and forms acid. That acid then gets on your tooth enamel and eats it away. Which then causes tooth decay and cavities. There is sugar in almost everything we eat. But limiting snacks and sugary drinks can help limit the effects that sugar causes on your teeth. Offering water with snacks and meals and brushing your teeth twice a day can help your teeth. Brushing with fluoride can help with damaged enamel but once tooth decay begins to set in and the enamel has been worn away it cannot come back.
What Food Contains the Most Sugar?
Sometimes it can be hard to keep the treats away from your children. Kids love snacks, and the more sugary snacks they seem to like even more. But it is important for your child’s health and their teeth that you limit the number of sugary snacks they eat as much as possible. These snacks can be candy and juices. That includes a cookie, ice cream, and sodas. These are all snacks that have a high amount of sugar. You should also try to avoid sticky foods such as gummy snacks even sugar-free ones. These snacks can stick to your child’s teeth for longer periods causing acid to build up on your child’s teeth. Now we know it’s hard to keep treats away from children so make sure they are limited and brush their teeth afterward or at least get a drink of water to wash out their mouth.
What are Healthy Foods for Kids?
As a parent you want your child to be as healthy as they can. Giving them sugar is not the best thing to do for your child’s health and teeth. Your child should have balanced meals with protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains. These are essential for keeping your child healthy and having a beautiful bright smile. When your child asks for a snack instead of turning to an easy sugary snack try to give them yogurt, cheese, peanut butter, or something healthier for them. Eating healthier can help your child’s teeth be stronger and healthier. They also need to be brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting a dentist every six months. Following these things can help your child have a beautiful smile.
Pediatric Dentistry
If you have any questions or need to visit a dentist then give Smile Reef a call. We want to help your child have a beautiful smile with healthy teeth.