If your child is like most, they are often found running around during the summer months with a juice box or sports drink in their hand. While you might assume these beverages are completely harmless, the truth is that they are common contributors to tooth decay. If you’re wondering what the cause of your children’s cavities might be, a dentist explains why you’ll want to swap out these summertime favorites for healthier options.
Why Are Cavities Common Among Children?
There are many reasons why children are more prone to developing cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an estimated 42% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have cavities that form in their primary teeth.
Apart from their minimal dexterity when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth, their diets usually consist of unhealthy foods that lack valuable nutrients. Unfortunately, the juice boxes and sports drinks they beg you to buy at the store also contain sugar and are highly acidic. What does this mean? Although these may look appealing or promise “quench their thirst,” they do anything but that. Instead, they leave remnants on your child’s teeth, resulting in bacteria turning into harmful acids that break down tooth enamel and cause cavities to form.
How a Healthy Diet Can Safeguard Their Smile
If you want to do more to ensure your child is getting the necessary nutrients for greater energy and a healthier lifestyle, avoid purchasing these sugary beverages and instead, opt for regular water. While it may not be your child’s favorite option, it is the one that will benefit them most. Not only will water help to keep them hydrated, but it will also flush out any toxins as well as bad bacteria and food particles that may try to stick to their teeth and gums.
It is also important that the snacks they consume be healthy as well. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy are all great options as opposed to chips, crackers, cookies, and candy.
You will find it is also beneficial to protect their smile in other ways, including:
- Keeping their six-month regular checkups and cleanings with their dentist
- Having them wear a customized mouthguard when playing sports or if they are prone to grinding their teeth at night
- Oversee their morning and nighttime oral hygiene routine to ensure they are brushing for a full two minutes and flossing at least once a day
- Make sure they are using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and combat tooth decay
If you want to treat your child to a juice box now and then, make sure they brush their teeth after consumption, as this will keep harmful particles off their teeth. Otherwise, keep their smiles safe from potential cavities and decay by making healthier choices that will benefit their oral health as they grow and develop.
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, our team of experts is here to safeguard your child’s growing smile. With summertime in full swing, sugary beverages are often being consumed, which can spell disaster for young teeth. To avoid the potential problems that a child can face when exposed to high levels of sugars and acids, let us provide valuable information and tips that will help you make the right choices when it comes to buying foods and beverages for your little one. If you want to better protect their teeth from cavities this summer, contact us at (434) 324-8241.