As a parent, you work hard to try to make the right choices for your child’s dental health. Some of them are easy, like limiting the amount of soda or candy they have access to. However, it’s harder than ever to figure out the healthy options for kids. So, could you unknowingly be contributing to their cavities?
Continue reading to learn about some popular drinks your child may be consuming and how they might not be great for dental health.
The Sweet Offenders
There are many popular drinks that children frequently have access to that may seem harmless enough at first glance. Then there are others that are well-known for their sugar content. Here are some of the worst offenders:
- Fruit Juices: Although fruit juices may seem like a healthy choice, they often have high amounts of added sugar. Though not all of them are bad for teeth, it can be difficult to spot the healthier versions without looking at nutrition labels.
- Flavored Milk: Plain milk has calcium and vitamin D for healthy teeth and bones. But it can be a tough sell for some kids. It’s easier to get them to drink the flavored versions, but these are often loaded with sweeteners.
- Sports Drinks: While sports drinks are marketed as replenishing electrolytes lost during sports, they are also high in sugar and acidity.
What Sugar Does to Teeth
White sugar and high fructose corn syrup are both commonly used to achieve an addictive sweetness in many drinks. But what do these chemicals do to cause tooth damage? Plaque is a gunky substance that builds up on teeth after eating or drinking that’s made of food particles and bacteria.
The bacteria in plaque love sugar and other carbohydrates that they can feed on and multiply. As they eat the sugar, they also release acid that slowly wears down tooth enamel. Over time, especially without proper brushing, little holes form in your teeth—cavities!
How You Can Help
Now that you’re more aware of the sneaky sugar bandits secretly attacking your child’s teeth, you can be more prepared. Here are some things you can do to help keep your child’s dental health in check:
- Check Nutrition Labels: Every food product sold in the US is required to have its ingredients and nutritional information clearly printed on it. These labels will tell you have many calories per serving, and the serving size, and will have “added sugars” listed as an ingredient. Try to avoid drinks that use high fructose corn syrup and added sugar.
- Provide Water: Water is great for supporting great dental health. Not only does it hydrate the body, but it also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
- Promote Good Oral Care: Encourage your child to brush their teeth and floss daily. This will keep their smiles cavity-free!
By being mindful of what your child drinks and providing healthy alternatives, you can help protect their dental health and reduce the risk of cavities. So, encourage smart sipping habits and bring them to see their dentist for squeaky-clean smiles!
About the Author
Dr. Natalie Gardner is an energetic and friendly board-certified pediatric dentist who truly enjoys working with her tiny patients. Her goal is to educate the newest generation on the importance of good dental health so they can cultivate smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. Gardner has a dental doctorate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Dentistry. Call (267) 481-7707 to schedule an appointment at Upper Dublin Pediatric Dentistry or visit the website to explore other services.