As a parent, it’s important that you understand what it takes to keep your kids’ teeth healthy. Practicing good dental hygiene is paramount, but there’s more to maintaining healthy teeth than brushing and flossing on a regular basis. In fact, a large part of good oral health—for kids and adults—is our diet. Certain foods and beverages can have a negative impact on the health of your kids’ teeth. With that in mind, let our pediatric dentists at Cool Kid Dental identify foods to avoid for healthy kids’ teeth:
Sticky Candy
Sugar in general is harmful to your child’s teeth, as the mouth naturally turns sugar into acid. That acid can wear down the layer of enamel that protects the teeth, and when that protection gets worn down, cavities are more likely to develop. Sticky candy is another level up, as it can easily get stuck in between teeth and attract bacteria, which can eventually lead to tooth decay.
Sugary Drinks
Soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are all full of both sugar and acid. That’s a recipe for disaster when it comes to the teeth, both in the short- and long-term. Not to mention, some of these drinks can even stain your child’s teeth.
Starchy Foods
Foods that are high in starch are harmful to healthy teeth. These foods, such as bread, pasta, rice, chips, and crackers, are full of carbohydrates. And when particles of these starchy, high-carb foods get lodged in your child’s teeth, they convert into simple sugars, which can increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
Popcorn/Corn on the Cob
Popcorn kernels and pieces of corn can get stuck in your child’s teeth and are often hard to get out. And if they’re not removed, there’s a risk of gum infection. The key here, of course, is to make sure your child brushes their teeth and flosses whenever they do eat popcorn or corn on the cob.
Citrus/Acidic Fruits
Remember what we said about acid? Just because fruits are typically viewed as healthier than other foods doesn’t mean they can’t be bad for teeth as well. Citrus fruits and other acidic fruits have the same sugars and acids that can be harmful and create risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Avoiding these foods and maintaining a strong habit of brushing and flossing can do wonders for the health of your child’s teeth. Of course, regular visits to the dentists are important, too. If your child is due for their cleaning and you’re local to the North Port, Florida, area, there’s no better choice than to schedule an appointment with Dr. Frank C. Pettinato II, DMD, MS, and his team of wonderful dental assistants at Cool Kid Dental.
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