Long-Term Dental Effects of Sugary Drinks to Kids
Every child is a sweet tooth; who doesn’t like candies and sugary foods? It is some kind of energy booster for them. However, candies, ice cream, cookies, and desserts are not the only food that holds sugar- ketchup, canned soup, or anything you’d less likely sugar expect to be. Every parent wants the best for their children, and because of that, these children are always rewarded with a sweet treat for getting good grades or such; however, sugar can adversely affect your children’s dental health.
We have a list of answers to common questions about the oral health effects of sugar, especially in children.
How Sugar Harms Baby Teeth
Our mouths are filled with billions of bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and eating a healthy diet can help prevent bad bacteria from taking over the beneficial bacteria. The bacteria in the mouth, not sugar, causes cavities, despite the common belief that sugar is to blame for tooth decay.
Sugar is a favorite food for the bacteria in your mouth, just like most people. When bacteria ingest sugar or another nutrient, they generate acid. As a waste product, bacteria in plaque consume sugar as energy and emit acid, slowly dissolving the teeth’ enamel. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your and your child’s mouths, speeding up tooth erosion and decay. Sugar does not directly destroy tooth enamel, but it encourages oral microorganisms to do so.
Moreover, most parents neglect baby teeth since they believe their children’s adult teeth will somehow show up. Although baby teeth will be permanently replaced with adult teeth in the future, parents should still be mindful of this. Their permanent teeth may not emerge properly if a tooth is lost prematurely, and other baby teeth crowd the available spot. Tooth crowding and hygiene issues can result as a result of this.
Remember, crooked or unhealthy teeth may cause your child to feel less confident about themselves.
How Sugar Harms Your Kids Health
Other than the risk of developing tooth cavities, too much sugar consumption during childhood can lead to unhealthy food desires as children get older. Obesity in children is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which can be exacerbated by too much sugar consumption. Mood swings and even sadness can be caused by a person’s blood sugar fluctuating rapidly. Bone and joint disorders and various cancers are also linked to fat and overweight.
How To Find Hidden Sugar in Food
As a parent, you want your kid to start healthy eating to avoid the risk of tooth decay. So here’s a list to help you spot sugar on food labels:
- Added sugar
- Evaporated can juice
- 100% fruit in juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit drinks
- Fructose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, maltose, glucose- beware of the suffix “-ose”
- Honey
- Any type of syrup
- Agave nectar
- High fructose corn syrup
- Rice syrup
This might be a little time demanding to do since you have to go through every food label, but, hey, it’s your child’s dental health we’re talking about.
How Can You Help
You can help in many different ways as a parent. However, there are some of the tips and strategies you can follow to prevent your child from getting tooth decay from sugar:
- Don’t let your kid snack too much: Eating snacks that are sugar-rich can cause tooth decay.
- Avoid carbohydrate snacks: Be mindful of what you eat; crackers and chips have a high amount of sugar hidden.
- Limit sticky sweets: Carbohydrates that stick to the teeth increase bacteria’s likelihood of acid production.
- Find alternatives for sugar: Try swapping sweet foods with sugar substitutes. Xylitol, sugar alcohol, has been shown to improve tooth health.
- Make this a rule, no sugar at bedtime: For the sake of their health, do not put your child to sleep with a bottle of milk or food in their mouth.
You may also start a new food journey with your kid, and lowering their sugar intake should be the first move. By limiting their sugar intake, you can help your child avoid diabetes and obesity as well as a brighter smile.
You can also visit your pediatric dentist anytime you feel uncomfortable about your kid’s dental situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does soda permanently damage teeth?
Acids are commonly used in soft drinks to enhance flavor, lengthen shelf life, and slow the growth of bacteria and fungi on the bottle. Soft drinks’ acidity is boosted further by the presence of carbonation. These acids can erode enamel hardness or reduce, resulting in tooth decay. As a result, even sugar-free carbonated beverages, such as diet sodas, can lead to tooth decay.
Is soda bad for kids’ teeth?
Soda has a lot of sugar and acid, which are bad for your teeth. Each of these factors can readily cause cavities. Therefore, it isn’t good for the kids’ teeth.
What are some effects of drinking too much soda on children?
Sugary drinks offer a serious health hazard to both children and adults other than tooth decay. As a result, children are at greater risk of gaining weight, developing cavities, and contracting disorders like obesity. Sugary drinks are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in adults and childhood obesity.
Related: What Is Bottle Rot?
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.