How important is a childs diet in the prevention of cavities?
While good oral hygiene is of utmost importance in the prevention of cavities, lack of a proper diet can have a tremendous impact on a child’s cavity rate. It is important to limit not only the quantity of sugary food and drinks that your child consumes, but also the frequency. You should think of cavity formation as a process. Each time a sweet substance comes in contact with teeth, the cavity process begins. The more times in a day that you consume something sweet, the longer the cavity process is underway. By nature, many children like to snack or graze throughout the day and many of the foods which children enjoy are loaded with sugar. Even foods which we sometimes consider “healthy” can be very high in sugar content. Examples include: yogurt, granola bars, cereal and chocolate milk. If you are uncertain as to how much sugar a food item has, check the label.
Your child must have a balanced diet for his/her teeth to develop properly. Equally important, a diet high in certain kinds of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) may place your child at extra risk for tooth decay. It is not only what your child eats, but also the frequency of meals and snacks. Frequent snacking without brushing increases the likelihood of cavity development. In addition frequent exposure to sugary liquids such as juice, soda or tea can cause widespread dental cavities. Be careful how you use a baby bottle and/or “sippy” cup! You are responsible for making healthy decisions for your child to ensure proper oral health.
Although a well-balanced diet is important in preventing cavities and to ensure good general health, cavities are not only the result of what children eat but also the frequency of meals. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and increases the likelihood of a cavity developing. Additionally, frequent “sipping” on sugar-drinks (including juice and soda) in a baby bottle, “sippy” cup, or re-sealable bottle can cause widespread dental cavities.
While good oral hygiene is of utmost importance in the prevention of cavities, lack of a proper diet can have a tremendous impact on a child’s cavity rate. It is important to limit not only the quantity of sugary food and drinks that your child consumes, but also the frequency. You should think of cavity formation as a process. Each time a sweet substance comes in contact with teeth, the cavity process begins. The more times in a day that you consume something sweet, the longer the cavity process is underway. By nature, many children like to snack or graze throughout the day and many of the foods which children enjoy are loaded with sugar. Even foods which we sometimes consider “healthy” can be very high in sugar content. Examples include: yogurt, granola bars, cereal and chocolate milk. If you are uncertain as to how much sugar a food item has, check the label.
