Cavities are the single most common chronic childhood affliction – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Despite their prevalence, cavities shouldn’t be an accepted part of childhood. Good oral hygiene habits and nutrition can go a long way toward reducing the risk of cavities.

Sugar
Limiting intake of foods that contain table sugar or corn sweeteners is one way to reduce tooth decay. Check labels for ingredients like sugars, honey and syrup. Also, look for other forms of sugar such as fructose, sucrose, glucose, corn syrup and maltose.

Tasty Alternatives
Offer children nutritious snacks such as low-fat yogurt, cheese, pretzels, plain popcorn or vegetable sticks instead of candy and ice cream. And watch for sugar sources that aren’t so obvious, such as pizza and breads that may contain more sugar than you think.

Variety
Eating a variety of foods helps boost the intake of specific nutrients that are essential for healthy teeth and healthy bodies. Calcium helps build strong bones that support teeth. Fresh fruits provide important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which has been shown to promote healthy gums.

Brushing
Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day after meals and snacks are important habits to teach children. You can also teach them to take other simple steps, such as flushing sugar from their teeth by drinking water after snacks when a toothbrush isn’t handy.

Fluoride
Fluoride is a proven way to safeguard your children’s teeth. Check to see if your city fluoridates its tap water. If not, ask your dentist about fluoride supplements. Snacks and meals with high nutritional value strengthen teeth from the inside out, and brushing and flossing protect teeth from the outside in.

The choices you make and the habits you teach your children will stay with them for a lifetime.

This article kindly provided by Delta Dental Plans Association.

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell a Friend

You can email this entire article to yourself or a friend! Just fill in the fields below and you will be returned to this article when you are finished.