Tooth decay is a common oral health issue in children. You may think that cavities appear because children are lax about brushing and flossing their teeth. While the lack of proper dental hygiene causes dental problems in children, other things can also contribute to cavities. Many parents don’t realize that certain things can lead to the development of tooth decay.
Below are 5 surprising reasons why your child may develop cavities.
1. Gummy vitamins
It can be hard to make your kid take vitamins. Fortunately, pharmaceutical companies have developed vitamins in the form of gummy candies. Kids enjoy this delicious snack since they are very similar to candies. In addition to their appearance, these vitamins have the same smell and texture. As well as candies they are loaded with sugar and stick to teeth or between them. Just by sitting there, gummy vitamins promote tooth decay.
Instead of gummy vitamins, you can buy your child the hard-chewable vitamins. If this isn’t an option, then give your child the gummy vitamin with a meal. The textures of the other foods will help chew the gummy vitamins. This will minimize the risk of potential teeth issues.
2. Antibiotics
Pharmaceutical companies often add sweeteners to liquid antibiotics since they are more preferable for kids. The antibiotic can be filled with sugars like sucrose and fructose. These ingredients can contribute to the development of tooth decay and teeth pain in your child.
If you are required to give your child antibiotics with sweetener, then try to brush your child’s teeth immediately after these drugs. If you can’t brush your child’s teeth then rinse them with tap water. By letting the antibiotic coat the teeth, you increase the risk of decay. If your child is too young to rinse the mouth, use a wet cloth to wipe the inside of the mouth.
3. Bottled juice
Fruit juice is an acid that can easily damage a child’s tooth enamel. Moreover, bottled juice is often filled with sugar that is the major risk factor for tooth decay. Sugar creates conditions in your child’s mouth that are ideal for bacteria breeding. Acids weaken the enamel, making it easier for bacteria to get inside the tooth. Even 100% fruit juices can be unhealthy. They contain acids and a big dose of fructose as well as bottled juices.
It is recommended to replace juice with tap water. It contains natural stores of fluoride. This ingredient can strengthen tooth enamel and decrease the risk of tooth decay.
4. Dried fruits
You probably think that dried fruits are a healthy snack for your child but this food contains a lot of sugar. Sugar increases the risk of tooth decay significantly. It coats the tooth and weakens its structure over time. It is better to give your child dried foods in moderation and with meals rather than in the form of a snack. By doing so, they will not stick to teeth and decrease the likelihood of cavities. Another solution is to rinse the mouth with water to wash away particles that are stuck to the child’s teeth.
The best way to eat fruits is to eat them fresh. Fresh fruits have more health benefits than dried and have a lower concentration of sugar.
5. Toothpaste
You can find many types of kids toothpaste on the market. Not all of them are equal. Kids’ toothpaste needs to contain fluoride. This mineral helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Lack of fluoride can make a child’s teeth enamel weak and vulnerable to decay-causing germs.
Avoid buying toothpaste with abrasives. They can easily damage the sensitive enamel of kids’ teeth. Weak or damaged enamel makes your child prone to cavities.