LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Because of the availability of vast amounts of information from newspapers, television and the World Wide Web, it is easy to get conflicting information on nutrition and the role it plays in the health of children's teeth.
Advertisements claim that bottled juices, sport drinks and "healthy" snacks are good for children. However, what they don't explain is that the sugar content in these items is quite high, and without proper oral hygiene a child's teeth can suffer.
Many foods can cause tooth decay. For example, foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as some fruits, sodas, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips are culprits for decay. Factors that cause tooth decay include the frequency in which the foods are eaten and the time they remain as particles on the teeth or in the mouth.
Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Enamel breakdown leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result.
Children who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional beverages are more prone to tooth decay. Sipping on a soft drink all afternoon is more harmful to your teeth than drinking a large soda with a meal and then not drinking any soda for the rest of the day. Also, if soda is consumed, it helps to use a straw to keep sugar away from teeth.
An article published by the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that school children should rinse their mouth with water after meals, especially at school. This leaves their mouth with a reduced sugar and acid content.
At home, parents should encourage their children to drink tap water. If parents choose to purchase bottled water, be sure that it is fluoridated to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities in the future.
Brushing teeth thoroughly after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments combined with a healthy balanced diet are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in flossing techniques until the age of 10.
Tooth decay can be best prevented with regular dental visits just after the child's first tooth erupts. Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, regular flossing, and decreased intake of foods with high sugar content are great ways to significantly decrease the amount of decay-causing bacteria present in children's mouths.
If parents have any questions about their child's dental health or tooth decay, they should always see a dentist.