Kids and Sugar: The Sneaky Culprits Harming Their Teeth 

Who doesn’t love sweet, sugary treats? Most kids do (and so do most adults!). However, too much sugar and the failure to brush after enjoying sweet treats significantly impact your child’s oral health. Limiting sugary treats and consulting with a skilled children’s dentist in Melbourne can go a long way toward keeping your little one’s teeth healthy.

Sugar: How It Harms Your Child’s Teeth

The natural bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar. When a person of any age consumes sugar-laden foods and beverages, this bacteria uses the sugar to make acid. The acid attacks the dental enamel, leading to cavities over time.

How Sugar Affects Dental Enamel

Dental enamel is designed to be a protective covering for your teeth. When it is repeatedly hit with acid, the enamel is stripped of its essential minerals. Over time, this causes the enamel to become porous and weak, which leads to even more susceptibility to damage from bacteria.

Sugary Treats and Snacks

The high sugar content in sweet treats feeds the bacteria in your child’s mouth. This leads to plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay.

Carbonated Beverages

Beverages like soda have a lot of sugar, but they’re a double whammy because they also contain acid that weakens dental enamel.

Acidic Juices and Fruits

Fruit is a healthy snack, but fruit juices can erode enamel over time.

Sticky Snacks

Sticky snacks and gummy vitamins do the same thing: They cling to the surface of your child’s teeth and create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Your Pediatric Dentist in Melbourne, FL

At Sunshine Smiles in Melbourne, Florida, Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Kristin have a genuine passion for your child’s oral health. Prevention and timely dental care are key to healthy smiles. Call us today at (321) 622-6255 or visit our website to schedule your child’s appointment.