Many children love sweet beverages like soda, chocolate milk, juice, sports drinks, and the like. Unfortunately, all of these drinks can increase their risk of developing cavities if they’re not careful, and it’s important that children only enjoy them in moderation to preserve their oral health. Here’s why these drinks can be so harmful along with a few tips to help you keep your child’s smile stunning.
How Do Sweet Drinks Affect Teeth?
Humans are programmed to love sugar because it is full of chemical energy that can be easily absorbed by the body. Unfortunately, this is the same reason why the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease love it as well. When your child consumes a sweet beverage, their teeth are coated with sugary residue that feeds these germs, causing them to multiply rapidly and excrete acid that erodes enamel as soon as it makes contact with it. Since soda, juice, and sports drinks are already high in acid, this is quite a dangerous combination for a kid’s smile.
What Are a Few Teeth-Friendly Beverages for Kids?
Luckily, there are several beverages that are excellent for a kid’s oral health. A few include:
- Water: Water contains no sugar or acid and is absolutely essential for your child’s health. For maximum cavity protection, choose water that has been fluoridated.
- Milk: Milk is a reliable source of hydration that is low in sugar and high in minerals that help keep teeth strong and healthy.
- Unsweetened tea: Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water, and it contains polyphenols that help fight bacteria. Brewing it with fluoridated water will also give it cavity-resisting properties.
Can My Child Enjoy Sweet Drinks in Moderation?
While water should be everyone’s primary beverage choice, enjoying a cola or some orange juice once in a while won’t do any significant harm. One of the best ways to mitigate the damage these beverages can do is to have your child drink them through a straw. This will minimize the amount of liquid making contact with the teeth, and having your child wash the stuff down with a glass of water will help reduce the plaque and sugary residue clinging to them. It’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking before brushing so the enamel has a chance to recover.
Don’t let sugary beverages ruin your child’s beautiful smile. By reducing their consumption of sweet drinks, you can set them up to enjoy adulthood with stunning teeth.
About the Practice
Village Pediatric Dentistry offers the best children’s dental services available in Cumming, GA. Led by Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan, the staff helps children understand why dental health is important and how to take care of their teeth. Areas of expertise include pediatric preventive, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as orthodontic services. For more information on protecting your child’s teeth, contact the office online or dial (678) 456-5572.