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Oct
When preventing cavities, brushing and flossing are often at the top of your mind—and rightly so! Good oral hygiene eliminates the decay-causing bacteria to keep your child’s smile healthy. However, fighting cavities takes more than one strategy. Proper nutrition is another crucial factor in cavity prevention in little ones.
Triad Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, loves to see children show off healthy smiles. That’s why our pediatric dentists, Drs. Sona Isharani and Shima Ghattan work closely with parents/caregivers, offering guidance on healthy dietary choices and other healthy practices to ensure their children stay cavity-free.
Adults and children alike have over 700 species of bacteria in the mouth. Some of these bacteria are good, but others aren’t. Harmful bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the mouth, and as they do, they release acids. These acids erode the enamel and mix with saliva, food debris, and bacteria to form dental plaque, a colorless film that clings to the teeth. The acids in the plaque further leech the minerals from the enamel. If these minerals aren’t quickly replenished and plaque isn’t removed as often, holes will form in the enamel, causing cavities.
So, in summary, these are the common foods that cause cavities in children:
While completely eliminating sugary foods from your child’s diet is unrealistic, you can take certain steps to help prevent tooth decay. Try to reduce how often your child consumes sugary foods and drinks. Reducing sugar doesn’t mean they can’t have candy, but they should enjoy it in moderation. Encourage them to choose healthier snacks like fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Also, educate your child why water is a better substitute for juice, soda, or other sweetened drinks.
Besides food, you can prevent cavities in children by:
Parents love seeing their children enjoy healthy, cavity-free smiles. Triad Dentistry is committed to helping you achieve that goal. Whether you need to learn ways to prevent or treat cavities, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—call (336) 383-1482 to reserve an appointment.