We all know that candy and other sticky, sugary treats are bad for our children’s teeth. But there are plenty of foods less obvious than candy and soda that can mean cavities at their next dental visit.
Here are the six foods that cause our young patients (and their parents) the most tooth trouble:
- Peanut Butter: It’s full of protein and fiber, but peanut butter is also sticky and sweet. That means it clings to your children’s teeth just like candy. So make sure they wash it down with lots of water.
- Popcorn: The kernels that don’t pop all the way, or at all, can crack and even break teeth. This can be especially true if your child has fillings. A popcorn hull that sticks in the gums or between teeth may stay stuck there and become irritated.
- Potato chips: They’re filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in the teeth. So make sure your kids take extra care to brush and floss away all the chip particles between their teeth that can lead to plaque build-up.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries and most dried fruits have a lot of sugar, and they stick to teeth. That gives the cavity-causing bacteria in kids’ mouths a long-lasting food supply, so be sure your children brush well after eating them.
- Citrus fruit: They’re full of vitamin C and potassium, but frequent exposure to the acidic acids in orange and grapefruit juices can cause erosion of tooth enamel, making your child’s teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So rinse the mouth with water and brush in about an hour after consuming.
- Sports drinks: Much serious tooth decay can be blamed on high-sugar beverages like sports drinks and sodas. Often consumed over a period of time, it gives these drinks even more time to cause tooth damage.
Your kids don’t have to give up any of these foods completely.
They do have to brush and floss well and see the dentist for a cleaning and check-up every six months. That can help prevent many popular kid foods from causing big problems for their teeth. Call for their appointment today: (800) 717-KIDS.
