Excessive sugar consumption is one of the most notable contributing factors to childhood cavities. Read on to learn for recommendations from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists recommend that parents limit the amount of sugar their child consumes, along with taking other oral health precautions and helping their child practice good oral hygiene daily.
A pediatric dentist explains how sugar affects a child’s teeth
The fact is that most kids love sweets, and having a cookie once in a while is typically not going to cause a cavity. However, it is important for parents to understand why pediatric dentists recommend parents limit how much sugar their child consumes for oral health reasons. This review discusses how sugar can affect your child’s teeth.
The effects of sugar on children’s teeth
Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like some other carbohydrates, the molecules in sugar can combine with saliva and bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth. When this occurs, it produces an acidic reaction that breaks down dental enamel, which is the hard, outermost layer of teeth. So, in other words, sugar and bacteria combined have the power to break down enamel and cause cavities as well as harm gum health.
How much sugar is okay for my child’s teeth?
Low levels of sugar consumption through foods and beverages should not harm your child’s teeth as long as they get the oral care they need via brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. Pediatric dentists generally recommend limiting children to less than 30 grams of sugar per day. This can be accomplished by checking nutrition labels on all foods and drinks they consume or ingredients that are used to make meals at home.
How can I protect my child’s teeth between check-up visits?
Parents can protect their child’s teeth between pediatric dentist visits by ensuring their child brushes their teeth several times per day, flosses at least once a day, and uses mouthwash as directed by their pediatric dentist, in addition to limiting the consumption of sugar. If any concerns develop, such as tooth discoloration or the formation of small holes on the teeth, then it is important to schedule a visit with their dentist. If there are no noticeable concerns, then children only require a check-up every four to six months.
What preventive pediatric dentistry services can help prevent cavities?
In addition to good at-home oral hygiene, pediatric dentists can also offer preventive services to minimize the risk of childhood cavities. Perhaps the main way they can do this is by protecting the most vulnerable areas, which are the grooves of premolars and molars. To protect these areas, pediatric dentists often recommend dental sealants. Fluoride treatments may help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities as well.
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Our pediatric dentistry team takes pride in providing children the dental care they need in a friendly and comfortable environment. Get in touch today for more information or to schedule a visit.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Recent Posts
Cavity treatment for kids is essential for a child’s oral health. Dental decay can cause discomfort, causing the child to lose focus at school. It can even result in low self-esteem and malnutrition. Treating cavities can improve your child’s general health. Here are effective techniques for cavity treatment for kids.There are cases when fillings cannot…
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…