{"id":157,"date":"2020-01-07T16:09:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T16:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistsatorencoforkids.com\/blog\/?p=157"},"modified":"2020-06-29T15:32:09","modified_gmt":"2020-06-29T15:32:09","slug":"how-your-childs-favorite-drink-affects-their-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistsatorencoforkids.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/07\/how-your-childs-favorite-drink-affects-their-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Your Child\u2019s Favorite Drink Affects Their Dental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Child<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common\nchronic childhood disease? According to a survey conducted by the American\nAcademy of Pediatric Dentistry, 60% of children in the U.S. experienced tooth\ndecay by the age of 5. This shocks many parents and caregivers who routinely\nkeep their son or daughter\u2019s teeth clean or limit their exposure to sugary snacks\nlike cookies candies, and other sweets. Unfortunately, one of the top sources\nof added sugars in their diet is often overlooked. Popular drinks like soda,\nsports drinks, and fruit juices all play a key role in the formation of\ncavities in your child\u2019s smile. Read on to lean what your pediatric\ndentist<\/a> wants you to know about your son or daughter\u2019s favorite beverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Sugars & Acid Do to Your Child\u2019s Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your child\u2019s mouth naturally contains bacteria. These\nbacteria can transform the sugars in the foods and drinks your child consumes\ninto acid in less than 20 seconds! As the acid sits and accumulates along the\nteeth and gums over time, it eats away at the protective enamel to cause\ncavities. Since primary teeth aren\u2019t as strong as secondary teeth, tooth decay\ncan progress much faster than what you might expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though your child\u2019s baby teeth will fall out on their\nown eventually, it\u2019s very important that any cavities are taken care of. Tooth\ndecay is a disease, and if left untreated, it can cause painful infections,\ndifficultly with chewing, and even damage to developing permanent teeth.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Drinks Have the Most Sugar and Acid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, some of the most common drinks for children\nare brimming with sugars and acids. You probably know that too much soda can\ncause tooth decay, but did you know the same holds true for diet soda? Even\nwithout the sugar content, diet sodas are acidic enough to cause cavities. The\nsame is true for low-sugar sports drinks. While juices may be a healthier\nalternative to both, they\u2019re also full of natural but harmful sugars and acids.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Water is the Best Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The American Heart Association recommends that children between\nthe ages of 2 and 18 should sip no more than 8 ounces of\nsugar-sweetened drinks over a seven-day period. Instead, encourage\nyour child to drink more water. Aside from being great for your overall health,\ndrinking more water:<\/p>\n\n\n\n