2 Suggestions to Protect Your Child's Teeth

Many people develop a number of cavities during childhood. Even if only a child's primary teeth have presented themselves, decay can affect underlying adult teeth. Thus, good dental health during the early years of life can significantly impact oral health later on. To help you protect your child's primary teeth, there are multiple suggestions that a pediatric dentist may offer. Here are a few of them.

Let the youngster chew gum.

Most kids see gum as a special treat. However, the chewy substance can protect young teeth.

Due to the stickiness of gum, the substance can pull plaque and food particles from the teeth. Also, the chewing motion stimulates the salivary glands. The release of saliva can help dilute bacterial acid that causes tooth decay.

Bacterial acid is produced as the microbes feed on carbohydrates within your youngster's mouth. The acid is actually a byproduct of the bacteria's digestive process. The acid dissolves the minerals within the tooth enamel to weaken it and incite the formation of cavities.

Certain types of gum are especially helpful because they contain special ingredients to help control bacterial numbers within your child's mouth. For example, xylitol is sometimes added as a natural sweetener to sugarless gum. The substance helps reduce bacterial counts to lessen the chance of decay. Additionally, cinnamon, which is also a common gum ingredient, has antibacterial properties that help kill the microbes that cause bad breath.

Eliminate sodas from your child's diet.

Bacterial acid is not the only substance that is corrosive to the teeth. Acids found in the foods and drinks that your child consumes also damage the teeth.

One of the most corrosive substances for the teeth is soda. The acid content dissolves the tooth enamel even if the soda is sugarless.

If sugar-sweetened soda is consumed, the damage will be even worse. The simple sugars are easily digested by oral bacteria to produce more acid. Instead of soda, water can be offered. It dilutes damaging acid and may even expose your child's teeth to fluoride.

Most tap water contains fluoride, which helps remineralize the teeth and makes them more resistant to acid.

Tea is also a suitable soda alternative. It contains polyphenols to help eliminate damaging oral microbes, such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. For your child to receive the greatest benefits from drinking tea, have him or her consume at least a few cups daily.

To learn more ways to protect your child's teeth, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in your area or look at this site.


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