Although we have discussed the effect of diet on tooth decay over the years, it is worth revisiting. Going to the dentist regularly, every six months for most patients, is important in maintaining a healthy smile. However, your daily habits with regard to oral hygiene and diet are crucial to cavity prevention.
We all have billions of bacteria in our mouths, some helpful and some harmful. When we feed the “bad” bacteria with the food we eat, especially sugars and carbohydrates, the bacteria create an acidic environment in the mouth. The acid is damaging to the tooth enamel, and repeated acid attacks begin to break down the tooth and create cavities over time. Therefore, it is important to consider the amount of sugar we consume, but also the frequency. With each sugary sip, the mouth remains acidic for about 20 minutes. Be aware of how often you are resetting the timer!
Smart snack choices include fresh vegetables, yogurt, cheese, nut butters, fresh fruits and more! Cheese is especially healthy for teeth as it is considered “cariostatic,” which is a fancy way of saying it helps stop the development of cavities. Additionally, it can be a good source of calcium. Snacks to avoid include those with added sugars, candy, and gummy snacks. Gummy snacks are loaded with extra sugar and are super sticky, which means they adhere to the teeth and get stuck in the deep grooves. It is worth noting here that many gummy vitamins marketed as “healthy” are loaded with added sugars. If treating yourself to candy, dark chocolate is considered a better choice. Avoid sour candy, as it is more acidic and damaging to the enamel.
Healthy drinks are also an important part of cavity prevention. The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition wrote a fun article for Children’s Dental Health Month explaining The Drink Pyramid, developed by Dr. Nikki Stone in Eastern Kentucky. It is a fun reminder for making better beverage choices. From bottom to top the pyramid reads, “Water whenever, milk with meals, juice just once, and pop only at parties.” Water is always a good drink choice, especially tap water. Tap water in our area is fluoridated at a safe level, which provides extra protection for teeth. Milk is a healthy choice at mealtimes with vitamins and minerals to help build strong bones and teeth. Juice should be limited and should not be an alternative to eating fresh fruits. Fruit juices lack fiber and often lead to added consumption of unnecessary sugar and calories. Sodas are loaded with sugar, and they are acidic, both of which increase the risk of cavities. They are also associated with other health issues like diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity. Oftentimes, parents and patients will ask about the consumption of sports drinks. Sports drinks can also be a source of unnecessary sugar, although there are zero-sugar variations available now. My recommendation is that sports drinks should only be consumed when participating in sports or high-level activities that make us sweat. Water is still the healthier choice.
Healthy snacking and sipping are important aspects of cavity prevention! Remember, it is important to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and to incorporate flossing into your daily oral hygiene routine. Other preventative techniques include placement of dental sealants, a protective barrier placed in the deep grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth. Your pediatric dentist is always here to answer any questions to help your child keep a bright, happy, and healthy smile!
-by Dr. Tyler McCubbins
About Our Dentists: Dr. Mandy Ashley, Dr. Madison Galloway and Dr. Tyler McCubbins are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists proud to serve the communities of Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Glasgow! Our Pediatric Dentists and SKY Team provide excellent comprehensive dental care that is fun for children and people with special healthcare needs.
SKY Pediatric Dentistry has been providing dental care to children and adults with special needs since 2013. As board-certified specialists in dentistry for children, our team strives to make going to the dentist as fun as possible while maintaining high-quality treatment and preventative measures. We tailor treatment plans to each child and offer a wide range of treatment options, including sedation, in-office general anesthesia, and also hospital-based dentistry. With over 30 YEARS of doctor experience, SKY Pediatric Dentistry is a great choice for children’s dental care in Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Glasgow!
