5 Foods You Should Avoid If You Want To Take Care Of Your Children’s Teeth

As parents, we always have questions about what foods to avoid to take care of our children’s teeth. This issue is very important because diet plays a fundamental role in children’s health.

Many foods can have a negative effect on a child’s teeth and therefore we will in this article tell you which products you should limit to protect children’s oral health.

Sweets and other sweets

You probably already know that sweets and other sweets are foods that should be avoided for your children’s teeth. These products contain a lot of sugar, which helps bacteria in the mouth to grow and develop.

The sugar in sweets remains in the oral cavity for a long time when it adheres to the tooth surfaces. The microorganisms in the mouth grow around the substance and form large accumulations of bacterial plaque.

In addition , fermentation of sugar promotes the production of acids that corrode the hard tissues of the teeth. The loss of these minerals is what causes caries.

All sweets and all sweets are caries-causing, but some are more dangerous than others. Tough or sticky pieces of candy, for example, attach most to the surfaces of the teeth and remain there for long periods.

Hard candies and lollipops are also quite harmful. Sucking on them means that sugar remains in the oral cavity for a very long time , which gives the bacteria time to produce huge amounts of acid.

In addition, if they are very hard, biting can damage the enamel of the teeth or overwork the jaw joint. And when you chew them, the remnants of the candy are caught on the surfaces and in the spaces between the cheek teeth.

It is true that children really like to eat this type of candy, but they are not a beneficial product for their health. In fact, consuming large amounts of sugar not only affects the health of the mouth, but also affects the general health of children.

Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of sweets or at least limit their consumption to special occasions. If children eat some sweets at a party or birthday, they should brush their teeth afterwards to avoid any damage.

2. Sour drinks

Soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks, are characterized by their acidity and high sugar content. For this reason, they are also foods that you should avoid to take care of your children’s teeth.

The high acidity of these carbonated drinks damages tooth enamel in the same way as bacteria; by removing the minerals from the enamel of the teeth. In addition, the high sugar content improves this process.

Sports drinks are often considered healthy and beneficial liquids for children who exercise. But the truth is that they are also very acidic and can cause damage to the teeth.

The perfect drink for children is water. But if flavored liquid is preferred, it is always a good idea to choose natural foods without added sugar. For example, mixing water with fruit or vegetable juice can be a refreshing and less harmful alternative.

Pastries and cakes

Industrially processed pastries and biscuits contain refined carbohydrates that promote bacterial metabolism. Their soft structure makes it easier for food scraps to stick to the tooth surfaces and their high sugar content favors the growth of caries.

Cakes are often a simple snack when there is no other food. But you should avoid consuming them excessively, and plan your children’s snacks well.

When they have finished eating, it is best to brush your teeth and floss properly to prevent residue from sticking to your mouth.

4. Sugar

We have already mentioned that sugar promotes the development of bacteria in the mouth and its excessive consumption poses a risk to oral health.

Many industrialized food products contain added sugar and its consumption is more difficult to avoid. But when it comes to homemade meals, it is important that you take care of sweet products such as sugar and honey.

Many times, when preparing meals or drinks for children, you as a parent tend to add sugar to make the food more appetizing. But it is important not to fall into this habit and avoid putting spoons of sugar in everything your little ones get.

It is also important not to dip baby pacifiers and bottles in honey or sugar, as these are harmful habits that promote the development of caries from an early age.

5. Hard foods

We already mentioned the damage that eating hard candy can cause, but there are other products that due to their firmness can damage the teeth.

Ice is an example, because chewing causes a weakening or rupture of the tooth enamel. Creating a habit of chewing on ice cubes can lead to cracks in the teeth.

Very hard nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, can also damage teeth or braces.

A healthy diet

Eating a varied, balanced and nutritious diet is very important for infants’ proper growth and development. In addition , a healthy diet helps prevent several of the most common oral diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.

Ideally, children should get used to eating a healthy diet that includes dairy, fruits and vegetables. Similarly, avoid the foods we have mentioned to better care for your children’s teeth.