It’s important to watch what your kids are eating, for not only can some foods be unhealthy, but they can also damage the teeth and increase the risk of your kids acquiring tooth decay. Candies, lollipops, chocolates, and other sweets are already known as the most common causes of tooth decay among kids, yet at times, foods that we think as healthy could actually be damaging to the teeth. This is why a dentist in Poway, CA still reminds patients to remain diligent in their oral hygiene and regular dental checks, regardless of their diet or favorite food.

Pizza, Burgers, and Pasta

It can’t be denied that pasta and pizza are among children’s most favorite foods of all time, yet too much of these can be damaging to their teeth in the long run. Pastas, pizza dough, and burger buns are made of plain flour, which is not only low in fiber and nutrient content, but also contain simple carbohydrates that are converted to sugar, then sugar acids, which erodes the teeth’s enamel. Though you might include vegetables in your pizza or burgers, their nutritional value becomes less compared to the starch component present in these food.

White Bread

This might be the right time for you to consider switching to wheat bread. White varieties of bread, buns, and rolls likewise contain simple carbohydrates (same with pizza dough and pasta). Moreover, when white bread turns wet and sticky, these have the tendency to stick to teeth, making a nice feeding and breeding ground for bacteria. Adding jam to bread could make things worse, for the sugar content in these fruit jams can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Fruit Juices

You’ve read it correctly: although fruit juices are great in keeping your kid healthy, fruits can actually contribute to an increased risk of plaque build-up, enamel erosion, and tooth decay. Fruit juices, particularly citrus fruits such as lemons, not only have acidic content, but also higher sugar content compared to fruit snacks. Then again, dried fruits or raisins can stick to teeth, thus making it an easy target for bacteria and plaque build-up.

Other Culprits

Aside from the foods mentioned above, chewing on ice can also lead to tooth damage. Sports drinks and sodas are also among the main culprits for tooth decay, aside from candies, chocolates, and the like. Dentists everywhere would always recommend moderation when it comes to eating these foods, and to brush and floss after eating. If your child is already suffering from tooth decay or has cavities, a visit to a reliable https://aplusfamilydentistry.com/poway-home/, such as A+ Family Dentistry, is necessary to keep his sweet smile.

(Source: Revealed – Top foods you didn’t know were causing cavities in your kids, The Health Site)