So how does summer snacking affect our teeth?
The kids are out of school and routines are all a little off, leaving a little more time for extra snacking. Due to the pandemic, we have also seen tooth decay on the rise. I would attribute that to the increase in snacking, being off of our daily brushing routine, and adding in additional sugary drinks with hot summer outdoor activities such as Gatorade, slushies and sugary energy drinks. Research has shown sipping on drinks with added sugar puts you at a higher risk for cavities. This is partly due to the change in pH balance being more acidic creating an environment for decay. Our recommendation would be no more than one 4.0 ounce sweet drink/day and to drink it all at one meal and be finished with it. I would also recommend rinsing your mouth with water after a sweet drink. Continuous sipping of sugary drinks doesn’t give our mouth a chance to neutralize the pH level. Each time we introduce a snack with sugar, it takes an additional 20 minutes for our mouth’s pH to neutralize. That’s why we talk about the frequency of snacking leading to an increase in dental decay. More frequent snacking and sipping on sugary drinks leads to higher rates of tooth decay.
How important is brushing at night?
The ADA recommends brushing two times a day for two minutes. This helps reduce the bacterial growth in that eight hours of sleep, therefore giving us better gum health. Not brushing allows the bacteria to feast on food debris and releases acid that contributes to inflammation, plaque build-up, cavities, bleeding gums and calculus formation. The best chance of lowering that cycle is brushing two times a day!
Are baby teeth really that important?
The answer is YES! We have twenty primary teeth for a reason. The Primary dentition is important for a child’s development. Baby teeth help kids chew, speak and hold the space for permanent teeth that are forming under the gums. Brushing, flossing, mouth rinse, a good diet and regular check-ups can help us maintain the baby teeth until they are ready to exfoliate on their own. Not treating cavities on baby teeth can hinder permanent tooth development and can risk damaging the adult teeth. Creating good habits now sets your child up for long-term success.
Do we really need x-rays? If so, are they safe?
Dental radiographs are a routine part of a child’s dental check-up. Thankfully, with the advances in technology, many dental offices offer digital x-rays, which limit the dose of radiation. Lead aprons are provided to protect the parts of the body not being imaged. Radiographs serve two purposes: they are diagnostic and preventive. They help us see things we can’t see clinically as well as help us catch things early. Discovering cavities early is essential for effective treatment.
Your child’s dentist is here to help answer any questions you have, as well as guide your family towards a lifetime of healthy smiles. We are on your team and ready to cheer you on along the way. There are so many ways to help kids prevent cavities, and one of the easiest ways is to start with a dental checkup this summer!
-by Dr. Mandy Ashley and Dr. Madison Galloway
About the Authors: Dr. Mandy Ashley and Dr. Madison Galloway are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists proud to serve the communities of Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Glasgow! Our goal is excellent comprehensive dental care that is fun for children.
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 preventive 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 25 YEARS of doctor experience, SKY Pediatric Dentistry is a great choice for children’s dental care in Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and now Glasgow, too!
