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

Pediatric Dentist Phoenix, AZ

Most children have a sweet tooth, but a pediatric dentist is likely to recommend that parents significantly limit sugary choices for children. Too much sugar can be bad for digestion, growth, and overall health, and it can lead to numerous dental issues. While plenty of foods can be high in sugar, sweetened drinks can often be the worst offenders.

How sugary drinks affect dental health

Consuming sugar starts a chain reaction in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay. The sugars stick to the surfaces of the teeth and attract harmful bacteria that produce acid, which weakens tooth enamel and can wear it down over time. When a section of the enamel barrier is destroyed, bacteria can now pass through and cause serious problems, including pain, infection, and potential tooth loss.

Any type of sugary food can increase the risk of tooth decay; however, sweetened beverages can be particularly harmful to teeth. This is especially true if someone slowly sips a sugary drink; sipping exposes the teeth to sugar for extended periods of time, restarting the acid production process over and over until the drink is gone.

Tooth decay risks in children

Kids tend to consume more sugar on a daily basis than most healthy adults, which means an increased risk for cavities. When sugary drinks become part of a child's daily diet, the potential for developing tooth decay rises significantly. However, there are other factors that make children far more susceptible to dental caries when excess sugar is involved.

Most children are not able to effectively clean their teeth independently until the age of six. Misaligned or crowded teeth and a lack of fine motor skills can make toothbrushing even more difficult. A pediatric dentist may recommend continued observation and intervention to ensure proper brushing and flossing at home. It can be challenging for busy parents to make time for toothbrushing, especially with older kids. However, proper home care is still the primary defense against tooth decay and should be a top priority for parents.

Children are often exposed to more germs and bacteria than adults. Most children place their hands or foreign objects into their mouths throughout the day, which provides more opportunities for bacteria to enter the mouth. Combined with the fact that kids often have weaker enamel from poor habits or tooth damage, the chances for decay are high.

Better choices for healthier teeth

When it comes to dental and overall health, water is always the beverage of choice. Sodas, sports drinks, and even juice should be served as an occasional treat, not as an everyday option. Plain milk does contain a substantial amount of natural sugar but it is important for growing and developing children. Pediatric dentists and other health professionals typically recommend serving it as a beverage at meals instead of offering it throughout the day once a child reaches the age of two.

Conclusion

Limiting a child's consumption of sugary drinks can help ward off tooth decay and unnecessary dental work. When combined with excellent home care and routine visits with a pediatric dentist, your child can enjoy stronger, healthier teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix, AZ.

Recent Posts

What To Ask Your Pediatric Dentist About Cavity Treatment For Kids

Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…

4 Common Dental Issues A Pediatric Dentistry Can Treat

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral problems that occur in children. Many dental issues in kids are similar to those that occur in adults. Without proper treatment, dental problems can progress to misaligned teeth and poor oral health. If you want to maintain your child’s dental health, here are the common dental issues that pediatric…

4 Tips For Cleaning A Child’s Teeth From A Pediatric Dentistry

In their early years, your youngster is still a novice in brushing and flossing their teeth, meaning that cleaning your child's teeth in that period is your responsibility. Cleaning the teeth is a skill that the child should learn. Your role is to educate your youngster on how to keep their mouths clean and healthy.…

At What Age Should A Child Go To A Pediatric Dentistry Office?

When does my child need pediatric dentistry? This is a question that many parents often ask. The answer may vary depending on the opinion of the pediatric dentist. However, most pediatric dentists believe that a child should go to pediatric dentistry by their first birthday.A child needs to get used to the dentist at an…

Recent Posts

The Role Of Preventive Dentistry In Pediatric Oral Health

The Role Of Preventive Dentistry In Pediatric Oral Health

Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the highest level of protection. Providing treatments that will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy will elevate your child’s formative years. Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.Digital dental X-rays are part…

Baby Root Canals: What Parents Need To Know About Saving Baby Teeth

Baby Root Canals: What Parents Need To Know About Saving Baby Teeth

Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal. However, sometimes, a root canal can be suggested when a primary tooth is severely damaged. For parents, this might be surprising. Since the baby's teeth…