Having an abundance of cavities can be frustrating and uncomfortable – especially for younger children. When determining the reasons why your child is getting cavities, it’s important to recognize that there are multiple products. For children’s cavities, both poor oral hygiene and high sugar consumption can play a role. Read on to learn why your child is getting cavities and the role that foods and drinks are playing.
Why Is My Child Getting Cavities?
Tooth decay is very common for kids. In fact, cavities are the most common chronic disease in children. The bacteria that play the biggest role in the development of tooth decay are called mutans streptococcus. This type of bacteria feed on sugar and procedure acid, which dissolves the minerals on the outer layer of the tooth, also known as the protective enamel. As decay progresses, the inner layer of the tooth will become infected. Once a cavity forms, a filling is usually required to prevent further tooth decay. By the age of 4, a quarter of children have had at least one cavity. It is crucial that they see their dentist regularly to catch this type of issue before it progresses.
How Does My Child’s Diet Impact Their Tooth Health?
Sugary and acidic foods and beverages play a major role in the development and progression of tooth decay. The acid in certain beverages, like sports drinks, soda, and fruit juice, soften the enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable to bacteria that are fueled by the high levels of sugar that the drink contains. This is why soda and other sweetened beverages should be consumed only in moderation, if at all. When your child does have one of these beverages, the best thing to do would be to drink it with a straw and have them rinse their mouth with water afterward.
Another way that nutrition affects oral health is by providing the body with essential nutrients needed for a healthy smile. For example, calcium and vitamin D work together to protect the teeth and bones. If your child isn’t getting sufficient amounts of these nutrients, their teeth will suffer. Vitamin C is also vital for keeping up healthy gum tissue, ensuring that your children are consuming enough of these essential nutrients can help to improve the health of their teeth and reduce decay.
Even though certain beverages, like fruit juice, may seem healthy, they are actually not much better for your child’s teeth than soda. By limiting these products, ensuring that your child has a nutritious diet, and keeping up a good oral hygiene routine, your child will be able to show off a happy, cavity-free smile!
About the Practice
At The Dentists at Orenco for Kids, Dr. Andrea Beltzner and Dr. Michael C. Royce work together to treat children in the Hillsboro community. With their combined experience and expertise, their patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (503) 640-6565.