Parents always attempt to teach their children about the importance of oral hygiene and work towards inculcating in them, the habit of brushing and flossing twice a day. A healthy dental regime is essential for keeping orthodontic troubles at bay. However, it should be noted that the secret to strong and cavity-free teeth largely depends on what your child eats.
A cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. A cavity is basically a hole that grows bigger and deeper over time. Unfortunately, tooth decay, which is very common in children, can result in the formation of cavities.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Every meal contains varying amounts of sugar and starch, which are used by the bacteria present in the mouth to build a sticky substance, called plaque. This plaque can coat the teeth – and as your child eats, the bacteria in the plaque creates acid. It’s this acid that erodes the hard tooth enamel, creating cavities.
Constant consumption of starchy items leads to an increased release of harmful substances, subsequently accelerating the process of plaque formation and mineral loss. Further, edible foods that are sticky, stay in the mouth for an extended period of time, enhancing the risks of tooth decay. Hence, it is important to be watchful of your child's eating habits.
8 Foods Kids Must Avoid to Prevent Cavities
1. Sugary Foods, Juices, and Candies: While these seem harmless, excessive consumption of such items can erode the enamel of the teeth of your child. Hard candies, apart from being rich in sugar content, can also trigger a dental emergency like a broken or a chipped tooth. In addition to these, sweetened liquid medicines prescribed for children might help resolve one health issue but invite other chronic dental ones.
2. Citrus Fruits: Frequent consumption of fruits with high acidic content can cause erosion of the enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to decay over time. Even though, a squeeze of lemon can turn a glass of water into a beverage preferred by children, it does not necessarily benefit their oral health.
Citrus fruits not only cause mouth sores but can also irritate existing ones. In order to curb the damage caused, encourage your child to drink ample amounts of plain water every day.
3. Coffee and Tea: A regulated intake of these beverages in their natural form is not as harmful. However, if consumed excessively, it can cause dry mouth and even stain your child’s teeth. Replace coffee and tea with other tasty, naturally flavored beverages like cumin (jeera) water, coconut water, mint water, or fennel (saunf) water. These are quick and easy to prepare and will also help boost your child’s digestion and immunity.
Add a handful of cumin or fennel seeds, or 3 to 4 freshly washed mint leaves to your child’s water, and the beverages are ready. If you notice any changes or stomach problems, you may discontinue the flavored water.
4. Dry Fruits: Although they form an integral part of a healthy snack plan, most dry fruits are sticky in nature. Such food items can harm your child's teeth as they tend to stay longer in the mouth when compared to other edible options. If it is a part of your child’s meal, you should follow it up with proper brushing, rinsing, and a flossing schedule.
5. White Bread: Whilst chewing white bread, saliva present in the mouth breaks down the starch into sugar. Once transformed into a gummy-paste like substance, the bread sticks to the crevices (a narrow opening or fissure) between teeth, and can later cause cavities.
You should opt for less-refined varieties like whole-wheat bread as they contain low sugar content and aren't easily broken down.
6. Crunchy Snacks: Potato chips and crackers are very enticing options to gorge on but note that they are made of refined carbohydrates, which break down into sugars in the mouth. When chewed, these become soft and get trapped between your child's teeth. It is always advised to floss thoroughly after consuming such food items.
7. Carbonated Drinks/Sodas: Carbonated drinks/sodas are harmful to both, adults as well as children because of the high amounts of sugar and acidic content in them. Caffeinated beverages can dry out your child’s mouth and result in cavities in the long-run. For consumption, a straw should be used as it helps in minimizing direct contact of the liquid with your child’s teeth.
8. Bottled Water: Water contains essential minerals that help in fighting cavity-causing bacteria. However, bottled water lacks fluoride (a mineral naturally present in your bones and teeth), which is necessary to prevent decay.
For a child who simply drinks packaged water, you should consult a dentist to help regulate the fluoride requirements. There are several supplements available in terms of tablets, varnishes, foams, and gels that can assist in maintaining a balance.
Now that we have shared with you a list of foods that may cause a cavity in your child's teeth, be watchful of their eating habits to prevent cavities.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.