How Sugar Affects Your Child's Teeth

When most of us think about how sugar affects our teeth, we think of tooth decay and cavities. This cautionary attitude is especially relevant when it comes to young children. According to the American Heart Association, children under two shouldn't consume any added sugars. Those above two should be limited to 24 grams or 100 calories of sugar per day. This is because of the impact sugar can have on children's teeth.

Sugar and Children's Teeth

Sugar doesn't directly cause cavities and lead to tooth decay. Instead, the bacteria and acid resulting from sugar-laden snacks cause these dental issues. When children eat sugar and don't clean their teeth and mouths afterward, bacteria feed off the sugar that remains stuck to the teeth. This process results in acid and plaque building up, which eventually starts eating away at the tooth's protective outer layer known as the enamel. Untreated cavities can then lead to tooth decay and a host of other health issues.

Protecting Your Children's Teeth

While you can reduce your child's sugar intake, this isn't all you can do to protect their teeth and dental health. It's also essential to make sure they have water with snacks, rinse out their mouths, and practice good oral hygiene in general. 

To safeguard your children's oral health, it's also essential to have regular check-ups with a pediatric dental specialist. A dentist can check their teeth for any signs of tooth decay and address any oral issues before they get significantly worse. Regular check-ups can catch issues early on and ensure that problems don't worsen.

If you're in the Firestone, CO area, look no further than Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. We offer both routine check-ups and advanced care and serve the Fort Lupton, Frederick, and Dacono areas. If you're looking for a Fort Lupton dentist for your little one, call us at 303.848.3633 or reach out to us here for more information.