With all the sugar in a typical child’s diet, it’s no wonder that cavities are on the rise. Not only is sugar dangerous to your kid’s health, but it wreaks havoc on their teeth as well. When sugar is left to sit on the tooth enamel, it turns into a dangerous acid that begins to break down the structure and allow decay.
Here are some vital steps you can take to protect your child’s teeth from Dr. Phuong Le and the team at Le Dentistry & Associates of Norcross, Georgia.
Save the Treats
No one expects children to never eat something sugary and fun, but there’s an appropriate time. Eat pies, cookies, candy and other sugar-filled substances after a meal. This is when the mouth has the most amount of saliva to wash away the acids in the mouth.
Drink Milk
Have a glass of milk with the sweet to buffer the acids produced by the mouth’s bacteria. This lowers their chance of tooth decay. If they aren’t fond of milk, some cheese will have the same effect.
Stay Away from Hard Candies
This type of candy easily gets stuck between the teeth. When left to sit in the mouth, the sugar creates cavities in the teeth. Flossing helps to remove these particles once they’ve eaten the candy if needed.
Store Excess Candy
Instead of giving your children access to all the candy in the house, consider storing some for another time. Most candy has a long shelf life and can be put in a sealed container for another time. Establish clear guidelines around when your kid can indulge in a piece of candy.
Drink Water
Have your child drink some water after eating candy. This helps to wash away the sugar from the teeth. Don’t allow them to brush for at least 30 minutes. If you choose to use bottled water, make sure it’s fluoridated.
If you need further guidance to protect your child’s mouth, call us at the office, or request an appointment online now.
