A Kid Friendly Dentist in Lilburn Explains How Diet Can Affect a Child’s Oral Health

A regular visit to a kid friendly dentist in Lilburn is a great way to help keep children’s teeth healthy. Oral care between those visits is also important for optimal oral health. In addition to brushing and flossing, diet can make a difference in the wellbeing of teeth.

Sugar and its effect on teeth

Excessive sugar can have a negative impact on oral health. Cookies, cakes and other desserts can contribute to tooth decay. Sugary drinks such as soda and sports drinks can have an even bigger effect.

Sugary snacks and drinks

After taking a drink of a soda or other sugary beverage, the sugar from the drink can stay on teeth for as long as 20 minutes. According to WebMD, sugar causes extra bacteria and acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, wearing it down. Over time, this can lead to cavities in the mouth. Cavities often require an extra visit to a kid friendly dentist for treatment.

Hidden sugars

Unfortunately, sugar is hidden in many different foods. For example, many kinds of pasta, bread and cereal often have more sugar than people realize. Reading the label is the best way to see how much sugar is in a product. The amount of sugar listed applies to each serving so look at the serving size as well.

Other foods

In addition to sugar, fruits with citrus can be problematic for teeth. While these foods are high in Vitamin C and often provide a healthy choice for a snack, excessive amounts of citrus can wear down tooth enamel.

Taking care of teeth

It is important to prioritize dental health, and there are several things that can be done to help keep the teeth, mouth and gums in tiptop shape.

Limiting sugary foods and beverages

Snacks and beverages that contain sugar are fine in moderation, but consider limiting them. Instead of a cupcake, offer a healthier alternative, such as veggies and dip, for a snack. Drinking water will help keep a healthy flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is good for washing away the bacteria and extra food particles. When indulging in a sugary beverage, consider using a straw to minimize the beverage’s contact with the teeth.

Routine care

Brush teeth at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing is also an integral part of a good dental health routine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be supervised when brushing until they have shown they can brush thoroughly. A routine visit to a kid friendly dentist in Lilburn will help with keeping the mouth clean as well as detecting and preventing problems such as cavities.

Conclusion

Foods and beverages that are high in sugar can negatively impact the health of teeth as can citrus fruits. Brushing and flossing regularly can help keep teeth clean, and a routine visit to the dentist can generally prevent and treat any issues that arise. Optimal oral health should be a goal, and these steps typically help with achieving it.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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