A Pediatric Dentist Explains What Sugar Can Do to Your Child’s Teeth

A Pediatric Dentist Explains What Sugar Can Do to Your Child’s Teeth from Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Middletown, NYExcessive sugar consumption is one of the most notable contributing factors to childhood cavities. Read on to learn for recommendations from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists recommend that parents limit the amount of sugar their child consumes, along with taking other oral health precautions and helping their child practice good oral hygiene daily.

A pediatric dentist explains how sugar affects a child’s teeth

The fact is that most kids love sweets, and having a cookie once in a while is typically not going to cause a cavity. However, it is important for parents to understand why pediatric dentists recommend parents limit how much sugar their child consumes for oral health reasons. This review discusses how sugar can affect your child’s teeth.

The effects of sugar on children’s teeth

Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like some other carbohydrates, the molecules in sugar can combine with saliva and bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth. When this occurs, it produces an acidic reaction that breaks down dental enamel, which is the hard, outermost layer of teeth. So, in other words, sugar and bacteria combined have the power to break down enamel and cause cavities as well as harm gum health.

How much sugar is okay for my child’s teeth?

Low levels of sugar consumption through foods and beverages should not harm your child’s teeth as long as they get the oral care they need via brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. Pediatric dentists generally recommend limiting children to less than 30 grams of sugar per day. This can be accomplished by checking nutrition labels on all foods and drinks they consume or ingredients that are used to make meals at home.

How can I protect my child’s teeth between check-up visits?

Parents can protect their child’s teeth between pediatric dentist visits by ensuring their child brushes their teeth several times per day, flosses at least once a day, and uses mouthwash as directed by their pediatric dentist, in addition to limiting the consumption of sugar. If any concerns develop, such as tooth discoloration or the formation of small holes on the teeth, then it is important to schedule a visit with their dentist. If there are no noticeable concerns, then children only require a check-up every four to six months.

What preventive pediatric dentistry services can help prevent cavities?

In addition to good at-home oral hygiene, pediatric dentists can also offer preventive services to minimize the risk of childhood cavities. Perhaps the main way they can do this is by protecting the most vulnerable areas, which are the grooves of premolars and molars. To protect these areas, pediatric dentists often recommend dental sealants. Fluoride treatments may help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities as well.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Our pediatric dentistry team takes pride in providing children the dental care they need in a friendly and comfortable environment. Get in touch today for more information or to schedule a visit.

Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Recent Posts

How Often Should You Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

Curious about how often you should take your child to see a pediatric dentist? Read on to learn more. It is a common misconception that small children do not need to see a dentist since their baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, a number of difficulties may arise with a person's dental health at…

Cavity Treatment For Kids: What Is The Process?

Cavities, or dental caries, can affect children just as they do adults, and early cavity treatment for kids is crucial to prevent further dental problems.The process of cavity treatment for kids is tailored to their unique needs and comfort. In this article, we will walk patients through the typical steps of cavity treatment for children,…

How Often Should I Take My Child To The Pediatric Dentist?

Are you wondering how often your child should see a pediatric dentist? Both children and adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. However, seeing a pediatric dentist more often than that can be helpful to a growing child.A child’s mouth undergoes many changes…

Recent Posts

Popular Treatments A Kid Friendly Dentist Performs

5 Popular Treatments A Kid Friendly Dentist Performs

Common treatment options offered by kid-friendly dentists include routine cleanings, sealants, dental fillings, dental crowns, and tooth extraction. Of course, most kid-friendly dentists have a much more extensive list of services and personalize the treatment plan based on each child's individual needs.Every kid-friendly dentist has their own set of services. This may include early orthodontic…

How A Kid Friendly Dentist Can Help Improve Your Child’s Smile

How A Kid Friendly Dentist Can Help Improve Your Child’s Smile

A kid-friendly dentist can help improve a child’s smile in various ways. While their primary focus is on oral health, kid-friendly dentists offer services that have cosmetic benefits, as well. The following review highlights the types of dental services that kid-friendly dentists offer that can improve a child’s smile.Every dentist has their own services that…