TWO OUT OF EVERY FIVE kids will end up with one or more cavities by their eleventh birthday. At those numbers, cavities are the most common childhood disease. What can parents do to fight these odds? We’re here to help by identifying the biggest childhood cavity culprits.
Treats and snacks loaded with sugar are a big one, especially when kids are munching on them throughout the day. It takes saliva about thirty minutes to wash away food residue and neutralize acids produced by oral bacteria. When kids are in a continuous state of snacking, their saliva can’t do its job, leaving their teeth to be constantly bathed by acid, which erodes enamel and leads to decay. We recommend keeping the sugary treats to mealtimes and offering sliced fruits and veggies if they still want snacks between meals.
Another big culprit is sugary drinks. We aren’t just talking about soda; fruit juice is a major cavity-causer too! When kids are able to sip fruit juice all day from a sippy cup or as they fall asleep, it produces the same result as continuous snacking. This is so damaging to teeth that we refer to it as “bottle rot.”
Avoiding this problem is simple in theory: only use bottles or sippy cups at mealtimes. If a child older than six months still gets thirsty in between meals, give them water. In practice, sometimes it’s hard to withhold that tasty juice when it’s what the little one wants, particularly when bedtime feels like a battle zone, but stay strong! Keeping their adorable smiles healthy will be worth it.
Beyond limiting bottles and sippy cups to mealtimes, it’s also important to clean out the milk or juice residue after a meal. Start brushing those baby teeth as soon as they appear, using a soft toothbrush and a tiny dab of toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to limit their overall consumption of sugary drinks like juice and soda.
If your child already has some tooth decay or you’re worried they might have it in the future, schedule an appointment with us! We can assess how extensive the decay is and determine the best steps to take to treat existing cavities and prevent new ones from developing. We can also give their teeth extra protection with sealants and fluoride varnish treatments.
Ira Spiro has been my dentist for 17 years. He is an excellent doctor. In addition to being a knowledgeable expert, he is conscientious and easy to talk to. He takes his time to talk through options and LISTEN to my concerns. While using up-to-date techniques in a modern office, his personal, friendly manner hearkens back to a less-rushed, less corporate era of family dentists.
Mitch R.
I have been a patient of Dr. Spiro’s for over 15 years. My wife and 3 children are also his patients. I’ve been very pleased with his work and of his staff. For example, last year, I needed a root canal and a crown. During an office visit, Dr. Spiro thoroughly explained to me in language I could understand why I needed the work done. He also described my options in terms of costs and his recommendation on when the work should be done. His staff also worked with my insurance carrier so I could anticipate what my costs would be for the entire procedure. I felt I was part of the decision process and was very satisfied with the outcome. I appreciate Dr. Spiro’s honesty and his ability to explain things so I can understand them. He has also been very flexible accommodating my busy schedule. I trust him and his staff to take care of my entire family’s dental needs.
Peter A.
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