subject: Cavities In Children Are On The Rise: 3 Ways To Prevent Them [print this page] We all know that Sour Patch Kids and Hot Tamales are delicious (if not nutritious). We also know that these sweets are dangerous for our teeth due to their gummy consistency and high sugar content! Alas, we eat them anyways, and are constantly feeding them to our children at the movie theatre, in their lunches, at the park for a fun midday snack!
In fact, reports show that kids are eating more and more junk food than ever before causing cavities at a much younger age. This doesnt have to be the case for everyone, and certainly not for you. You can save your childrens beautiful smiles by making minor habit changes.
How To Avoid Cavities In Your Children
Most kids (and maybe most adults) are sugar addicts. They can eat candy and sweets all day without giving much thought to a toothbrush until its time to hit the hay. Here are some key habits to form to keep your kids smiles healthy:
Getting in the habit of brushing your teeth after every meal or snack is the #1 most important habit you can teach your kids (if its too late for you to learn new tricks). If this seems a little extreme, the next best habit would be to teach them that brushing their teeth after indulging in sugary sweets (especially the gummy ones) can keep their teeth healthy and strong throughout their lifetime!
Teach your kids about issues related to bad dental care. How? Well, one way (which may seem a little unconventional) is to show them pictures of decaying adult teeth. Let them know this is a result of bad dental care at a young age. Show them pictures of root canal damage and gum disease and inform them of the causes of these painful situations. It may scare them a little, but that can be a good thing!
Educate your children about other unsuspecting foods that cause tooth decay, such as breads and pasta. Even really healthy foods like fruits, raisins, granola bars and yogurt contain carbohydrates, bacteria and/or acids that can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Pediatric Dentistry
Trust me, there is a reason our dentists consistently warn us to brush our teeth after every meal. So, no more excuses. The best thing you can do for your children is get them in the habit of brushing after every meal now, so that it becomes second nature for them in the future!
by: Shannon Egan
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