7 Worst Foods That Can Damage Your Child's Dental Health

Do you know your child's diet can affect their dental health? Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps their teeth get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. On the other hand, eating a lot of sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay. The sugars feed the bacteria in their mouth, which produce acids that eat away at their tooth enamel. So, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure they have a healthy diet. This includes limiting their intake of sugary foods and encouraging them to stick to a well-balanced diet.

Here is a list of a few food items that are detrimental to your child's oral health:

• Sticky, gummy candy

Hard candies, lollipops, gummies, caramels, taffy, and other sticky, gummy candies pose a threat to your child's dental and overall health as they typically contain high amounts of added sugar, which can lead to cavities. 

• Sugary soft drinks

Sugary soft drinks are one of the most common causes of tooth decay in children. Not only do sodas contain lots of sugar, but they are also highly acidic, which erodes the teeth. ADA recommends limiting soda intake to no more than 12 oz. of soda a week.

• Sports drinks

Because of their acidity, sports drinks are particularly damaging to your child's teeth and cause cavities. The acidity in these beverages can also wear away the dental enamel on your child's teeth.

• Hard candy

Hard candy, like lollipops and peppermints, causes cavities. The sugar in the candy remains on the teeth, providing food for bacteria. As the bacteria feed, they produce an acid that eats away at the enamel, leading to cavities. Sugar can also cause problems for children who are diabetic.

• Starchy snack foods

Foods like pretzels, potato chips, and crackers contain starch. Starchy foods often get stuck in the teeth, which invites bacteria to the party. This can cause cavities in your child's teeth. Soda and juice are also full of sugar, which leads to plaque and tooth decay.

• Citrus fruits 

• Ice 

Schedule an appointment with Reading Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our dental treatments. Visit us at 3895 W 7800 S #203, West Jordan, UT 84088. Contact us at (801) 282-6901 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.