Most parents know that candy and sweets aren’t exactly great for their child’s teeth. But many are surprised to learn just how much sugar and carbohydrates can affect a growing smile! Understanding how these foods impact oral health can help you make smarter snack choices and protect your child’s teeth for years to come. Here’s what you should keep in mind, along with some sensible, smile-friendly substitutes.
Why Sugar Is Tough on Teeth
When children eat foods high in sugar or simple carbs, the bacteria in their mouths get to work right away. They quickly begin feeding on sugars and starches, producing acids that attack tooth enamel (the outermost layer of the teeth). Over time, this acid exposure can lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, and other dental problems that can even affect the adult teeth later on.
However, it’s not just sugary sweets and tweets that you have to worry about; carbohydrates found in things like crackers, chips, and even some types of bread and snack bars can be just as harmful as candy! These foods can also break down into powdery residue that becomes stuck in the grooves of teeth, giving bacteria more time to cause damage.
It also isn’t just food items that you have to be concerned about, either—even sugary drinks like juices, sports and energy drinks, and sodas can bathe the teeth in sugar and acid, especially when sipped periodically throughout the day.
Healthy Snacks That Support a Bright Smile
The good news is that there are plenty of tooth-friendly snacks that kids love! Some ideas to consider include:
- Fresh, fibrous fruits and vegetables like apple slices, carrots, and celery sticks
- Other fruits and veggies like berries, cucumbers, avocados, bananas, and leafy greens
- Dairy products that are calcium-rich, like yogurt, milk, and soft cheeses
- Protein-packed snacks like hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and nut butters
- Water (regular or flavored) and milk instead of sugary sodas and juices
Remember, it’s not just about their diet; in addition to helping your child eat healthily, you should also encourage them to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing each day. However, the difference that non-sugary snacks and drinks can make cannot be understated—and when it comes to your child, keeping them smiling is a top priority!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Mina Schafft, and Dr. Karin Herzog, our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has proudly served families in Worcester and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to emergency dentistry for life’s most unexpected moments. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule a visit for your child, you can call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.