My Kid Likes Candy and Soda Pop; How Can I Prevent Cavities?

The human brain is programmed to love the taste of sugar because it is filled with simple chemical energy that the body can easily absorb. Unfortunately, harmful oral bacteria love sugar for exactly the same reason, and allowing the residue left by sweet items like candy and soda to accumulate in the mouth can lead to serious oral infections like tooth decay and periodontitis. Here’s a brief guide to how you can protect your child’s smile when they are enjoying sugar.

Your Child’s Teeth Want Them to Drink Plenty of Water

Water makes an excellent beverage not only because it is absolutely essential to life as we know it, but also because it helps dilute harmful substances and wash them away from the teeth. Water also helps you maintain healthy saliva flow, which protects your teeth by helping them stay lubricated, clean, and nourished. When your child is enjoying candy, cake, or a can of soda, it’s a great idea to have them drink a tall glass of water alongside it to help flush the sugar out of their mouth and prevent accumulations of bacteria.

Prepare Your Child’s Toothbrush and Floss for a Thorough Oral Hygiene Session

When your child is done enjoying a sweet treat, it’s a great idea to have them treat their teeth to a thorough oral hygiene session. By brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash, they can kill harmful bacteria and remove nasty accumulations of sugary residue and food debris. Just remember to have them wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing so their enamel has time to recover.

See Your Pediatric Dentist Regularly

Next to proper at-home oral hygiene and smart eating decisions, regular dental visits are the most important things for your oral health. During a routine checkup, your dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, clean the plaque and tartar from even the most hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of their mouth, and recommend better oral habits to help them keep their pearly whites healthy. These visits also allow them to address any issues in their early stages, which can spare your child from the worst of the damage sugar can do.

Don’t let your child sacrifice their whole smile for the sake of their sweet tooth. With the right precautions, they can enjoy their sweets in moderation while keeping their smile beautiful and healthy.

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He earned his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate by completing advanced training at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. His office offers pediatric general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your child’s next checkup, contact his office online or dial (972) 429-7070.