JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
One of the first steps to maintain oral health is proper brushing and flossing; however, proper nutrition plays an important role as well.
Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and starches to harmful acids that breakdown teeth, causing cavities. Children's baby teeth are more susceptible to these acids because they are softer than permanent teeth. It is especially critical to reduce the amount of harmful acid buildup on your children's teeth.
In order to prevent an acidic oral environment, it is important to limit foods that are prime culprits in your children's diet. Any sugary snack is sure to cause problems if not removed from tooth surfaces. Foods such as pastas, chips, crackers and pretzels can be just as unhealthy to your children's teeth as are gummy bears and candy bars. Even fruits like oranges have sugar and are very acidic and potentially problematic. Other things to avoid are sodas, juices and sports drinks because are also highly acidic and contain large amounts of sugar.
A proper diet is a balance of fruits and vegetables; breads and cereals; milk and dairy products; meat, fish and eggs. It is impossible to eliminate all sugar and starch from your children's diet, but limiting the amount will greatly improve oral health. If children consume foods high in sugar and starch, it is important to brush afterward or at least rinse their mouths with water. Studies have shown it is the amount of time sugar is in contact with the tooth surface and the frequency it occurs -- not the amount of sugar that leads to more tooth decay.
The longer sugar and starch remain on the tooth surface, the more acid the bacteria can create, resulting in more cavities. This is why sugary snacks should only be consumed during a meal, and soda or juice should not be sipped on all day.
This concept is also why babies should not be given a bottle at bed time unless it contains only water. Breast milk and formula contain sugars, and your baby's teeth will be bathed in a sugary liquid all night. This type of decay is referred to as baby bottle tooth decay and is most prevalent on the upper front teeth.
Proper nutrition is just as important to maintaining your child's dental health as is proper brushing and flossing techniques. A healthy diet not only prevents the harmful buildup of cavity-causing acids, but it also allows for correct nutrition for your child's overall health and development.