2 OUT OF EVERY 5 KIDS have at least one cavity by the time they finish elementary school, and the main reason is sugar.
Bacteria Love Sugar As Much As We Do
Harmful bacteria living on the surfaces of our teeth love eating the leftover sugar after we enjoy a sweet treat or drink. Then they excrete acid onto our teeth as a waste product, increasing our risk of tooth decay. So what can parents do for their kids’ teeth? A big improvement parents can make is to swap out sugary snacks for options like cheese or sliced fruits and veggies, which are also much healthier overall.
This time of year, it can be hard to avoid sugar, but this hygienist has some tips:
Sugar Is Hiding in Your Child’s Favorite Drinks Too
When it comes to sugary drinks, juice and soda are full of sugar and highly acidic, and even milk contains sugars. These drinks are most dangerous to a child’s teeth when sipped over the course of hours, as this acts like a continuous acid bath, preventing their saliva from washing away residue and neutralizing the pH of their mouths. We urge parents to restrict access to drinks other than water except during meals.
Be an Example of Good Dental Hygiene
Finally, parents should model good dental hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits for their kids. Limiting sugar intake can’t make up for a lack of daily brushing and flossing!
The Dentist Is a Great Resource
All the things parents can do at home to encourage great dental health are very important, but don’t forget that you’re not in this fight alone! The dentist can help. If you have concerns about your or your child’s teeth or gums, schedule an appointment. We can identify any problems and determine the best next steps to take. And regular preventative appointments are important too!
We’re rooting for our patients to stay cavity-free this Halloween!
Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
How does sugar cause cavities in children’s teeth?
When children eat or drink sugary foods and beverages, the harmful bacteria that live on the surfaces of their teeth feed on those sugars and produce acid as a byproduct. That acid attacks tooth enamel over time, gradually weakening it and creating the small holes we call cavities. The more frequently teeth are exposed to sugar — especially through sipping drinks throughout the day — the less time saliva has to neutralize the acid and allow enamel to recover.
Which drinks are most damaging to children’s teeth?
Juice and soda are the most problematic because they combine high sugar content with high acidity — a double attack on tooth enamel. Sports drinks are similarly acidic and sugary. Even milk, while nutritious, contains natural sugars (lactose) that can contribute to decay when teeth are not brushed afterward, especially if children fall asleep with a bottle or cup. Water is the safest drink for teeth and the only one we recommend unrestricted access to between meals.
What can parents do to reduce their child’s cavity risk?
The most effective steps parents can take are: limiting sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes rather than allowing constant sipping or snacking throughout the day; helping younger children brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste; introducing flossing as soon as teeth begin touching; scheduling regular dental checkups every six months; and asking about dental sealants, which can reduce cavity risk in back teeth by up to 80%. Modeling good hygiene habits at home also makes a meaningful difference.