How Does Cavity Prevention Relate To My Child?

Sugary foods, soda, and poor oral hygiene are all factors in pediatric cavity formation. If you notice that your child is choosing high-sugar, sweet foods over healthier, less sugary snacks, then your child is at immediate risk for forming painful, dangerous cavities. To prevent the formation of cavities (which if unattended can lead to root canals) limit the how often your child eats snacks throughout the day.

 

The Science: How do Cavities Form?

Diets high in carbohydrates and sugars cause a person's saliva to become thicker, thus making it harder to break up and wash away remaining food particles in the mouth. The existence of this higher-consistency saliva causes an increase in acid-producing bacteria, thus forming cavities. Additionally, the time it takes your child to chew and swallow their food can increase their risk for cavity formation. The longer sugary residue remains inside your child's mouth, the quicker bacteria begins to root and cavities form. Listed below are some positive tips for cavity prevention:

 

·         Avoid high-carb, high sugar snacks and drinks throughout the day. This is especially common among little-league sports teams. As a means of hydration, switch to water. It is much more effective than sugar-packed sports drinks.

·         Choose snacks that are nutritious in value, such as apples and peanut butter. Avoid crunchy, sugary sweets like high-carb chips and soda pop.

·         Avoid sticky foods that can get caught and stay in your child's teeth. Fruit roll-ups and fruit snacks can often remain in your child's teeth for days, providing plenty of food for harmful bacteria to feed off of. As always, fruits and vegetables are a healthy, positive alternative.

·         Emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing with your child. Make it a daily, family habit to brush your teeth at least twice a day. After a large meal, reinforce with your child the importance of brushing and maintaining clean teeth.

·         Some medications, such as liquid flu medicine, are extremely high in carbs and sugars. Make sure your child brushes their teeth immediately after taking such medication.

·         Create a balanced, nutritious diet for your child. Not only will you create healthy eating habits for your child, but you will protect their teeth in the process. Educate your child about the food groups, and always emphasis the need for balance within meals.

·         Don't nurse your child to sleep with milk, juice or formula. Infant teeth are extremely fragile and in the process of formation; thus, it is extremely important that there is no carbohydrate or sugar residue remaining on your infant's teeth overnight. This residue provides a nesting ground of which bacteria can feast overnight.

·         Do not reward your child with candy. Create a reward system of alternative means for good brushing habits such as a trip to the zoo, a new bike, or an extra half-hour to watch TV. Never reward your child with food; this creates unhealthy habits and views about the role of food in your child's life. Instead, reward your child with healthy, exercise-oriented activities.