If your child is like most youngsters, they are often found running around during the summer months with a juice box or sports drink in hand. While you might assume these beverages are completely harmless, the truth is they are common contributors to tooth decay. If you’re wondering what the cause of your children’s cavities might be, a pediatric dentist in Hamilton 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 percent of children aged 2-11 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 can remain 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 are healthy as well. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy are all great options as opposed to chips, crackers, cookies, and candy.
You can protect their smile in other ways including:
- Scheduling six-month 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 afterward, as this will keep harmful particles off their teeth. Otherwise, help prevent children’s cavities and decay by making healthier choices that will benefit their oral health as they grow and develop.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo was a mathematics teacher at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board before he decided to become involved in oral healthcare. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Western University in London Ontario, followed by his Pediatric Dental Residency and Masters in Oral Biology in Ohio. Dr. Rullo will be happy to talk more about wise beverage and snack decisions to avoid children’s cavities during your little one’s next checkup and cleaning which you can schedule on his website or call (905) 525-8272.