Today, sugar is everywhere. Many foods contain more sugar that you realize, and these large doses can be detrimental to your little one’s oral health. Small children who consume excessive amounts of sugary food or drinks can develop cavities at an early age. Therefore, it is important that parents create the kind of positive dental habits that last a lifetime.
How sugar affects baby teeth
Bacteria in the mouth are keen on sugar. When small children consume sugary foods, these bacteria celebrate. After the bacteria consumes the sugar present on your child’s baby teeth, they produce an acid that weakens the enamel. The enamel then becomes porous and cavities begin to form. If the amount of sugar consumption is not reduced, these cavities will grow bigger and bigger over time.
Protecting your little one’s smile
Cleaning your small child’s teeth thoroughly and effectively is crucial. Here are some tips to help protect your child’s teeth and keep their smiles safe from tooth decay and cavities.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
The easiest way to protect your little one’s smile is by avoiding sugar. You can start by limiting sugar-filled foods and drinks such as soda and fruit juice from their diet. By doing this you can keep bad bacteria at bay.
- Brush regularly
The most effective way to remove sugar from the teeth is by brushing regularly and thoroughly. Small children are usually not particularly fond of having their teeth brushed, but parents will have to make a special effort regardless. For best results, parents will have to brush back and forth along the front, back, and top of the teeth, for at least two minutes, at least twice a day. If you have any questions about how to properly brush your child’s teeth, be sure to ask your dentist Vancouver at your child’s next check up.
- Drink only water in between meals
Water is great for your child’s dental health. Juice and milk can both be high in sugar content and should be limited, especially if your child drinks from a sippy cup.
- Treats are okay, occasionally
If you’re going to give your child a treat, choose chocolate over sugary chewy or hard candy. Chocolate doesn’t stick to teeth like gummies and other sugary candies. Also, choose sugar-free candies as often as possible.
Sugary foods can be detrimental to your little one’s oral health. To avoid cavities, make sure you limit your child’s sugar consumption and teach them healthy eating habits to protect their teeth. And don’t forget to schedule regular appointments with Atlantis Dental Roundhouse, your local Vancouver dentist, to keep cavities and tooth decay at bay.