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Children's
Nutrition
What Foods Cause Tooth Decay In Children?
Many different
types of food can cause tooth decay, not just candy. Foods that are high
in carbohydrates, as well as some fruits, liquids, peanut butter, crackers
and potato chips are culprits. Factors that cause tooth decay include
the frequency in which the foods are eaten and the time they remain as
particles in the mouth.
Can
decay affect infants?
Yes.Tooth
decay in infants and young children most often occurs in the upper front
teeth, but also may affect other teeth. Sometimes parents do not realize
that a baby’s teeth can decay soon after they first appear. The
decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hamper development
of the permanent teeth. This problem is frequently referred to as baby
bottle tooth decay. This kind of decay is caused by long-term exposure
of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. When a child consumes
a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums and causes decay.
Are
children safe from soda and other beverages?
Dentists believe that kids who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional
beverages are prone to tooth decay in addition to serious ailments later
in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks
regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Soft drinks contain
sticky sugars that bacteria in our mouths use as an energy source. They
break down into acids and adhere to tooth surfaces.
How
does bacteria hurt teeth?
Decay is caused by bacteria that feed on any food that contains sugars
and carbohydrates. Decay occurs when solid or liquid food particles are
left unswallowed and cling to the teeth or gums for long periods. Bacteria
in the mouth use sugars to produce acid that attacks the enamel of the
teeth, softening and then eroding them. Enamel breakdown leads to cavities.
If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually
result. This can cause nerve infection, which can result in the need for
a root canal.
My children rarely drink soda. Are they still at risk for tooth decay?
Yes, any prolonged exposure to soda can cause damage. Sipping 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. While
many dentists advocate drinking nutritional beverages, such as milk, many
agree soda should be consumed from a can rather than a bottle with a replaceable
cap to discourage prolonged exposure to soda.
How
can children prevent damage to their teeth?
Children
at school should rinse their mouth with water after meals, leaving their
teeth free of sugar and acid. Children also should seek sources of fluoridation.
If you purchase bottled water, be sure that it is fluoridated. Encourage
children to drink tap or fountain water. Use a straw when drinking soda
to keep sugar away from teeth. Remember, bottled juices are not a good
alternative due to the high sugar content. Regular dental check-ups, combined
with brushing with fluoride toothpaste also will help protect children's
teeth.
How
can you help your child prevent tooth decay?
Parents should take their infant to the dentist just after the
first tooth appears. Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and
fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Children
should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that
when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they
are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper
flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about
your child's dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay,
ask your dentist.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization
of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in
the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary
care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis,
treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's
oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information
on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.
CONTACT:
Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org
or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or
media@agd.org.
NOTE:
Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed
journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases
do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
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