Children’s teeth are very important. It is not only a matter of putting in good dental care at a young age; it is also important to eat healthily and avoid junk food that contains chemicals or preservatives. It is important to know how harmful these foods are to your teeth. Dr. Ronald Plotka shares his thoughts on which foods are most harmful to teeth, as well as some foods that are actually great for your teeth and others that may actually be detrimental.
Candy is the first threat to children’s teeth. Sugar candy and other sweet snacks increase acid production in the mouth, which can lead to cavities. Even small amounts of exposure to acid can increase the risk of tooth decay. Parents who want to protect their kids from dental erosion are advised to limit the number of candy children eat. Kids’ sweet tooth may be more damaging to their teeth than adults’.
Sugar doesn’t just cause tooth decay–it also increases the risk of cavities in kids. There are several reasons why sugar is a problem for teeth, especially when it’s added as a candy or a meal. Sugar’s high concentration of calories strengthens the growth of dental bacteria, which can lead to cavities if left unchecked. The absorption of nutrients in diet soft drinks also leads to increased levels of absorption of harmful chemicals from foods like fat and cholesterol, which can play a role in cavities.
Potato chips are also bad for children’s teeth because the powerful chemical in them can destruct the enamel away. Potato chips are one of those foods which look like a perfectly reasonable and healthy snack but are actually quite unhealthy. Eating potatoes chips has been linked to tooth decay in children.
Finally, Dried fruits are great for giving your child something extra to keep them occupied, even if it’s just a treat. They energize kids and make them happier, but did you know that they can actually damage their teeth? Does giving your child too much dried fruit actually increase the likelihood of cavities? According to Dr. Plotka, it is very likely.
