I have seen enough to know that life has a way of surprising us. Back in the day, we did not think twice before handing a child a sweet. A biscuit, a piece of jaggery, maybe a spoonful of sugar – it was all part of growing up. But now, things are different. We know more, and we worry more. especially when it comes to our children’s dental health.
I remember sitting across from a pediatric dentist in Westmont IL, at a clinic called Chawla Orthodontics. It was not a formal appointment – just one of those conversations that stay with you. The team there understands children, and more importantly, they understand parents. They do not just treat teeth; they explain things in a way that makes sense. I would never think twice about visiting this clinic to show my child, if I ever stay in the vicinity of Westmont.
Cavity Causing Food – The Usual Suspects – And the Unexpected Ones
As parents, we are all well aware that candies and chocolate are not good for teeth. Nothing new about this. However, what surprised me was that when I came to know about a few more foods that are also harmful to teeth. Often, we reward our children with a few types of snacks, or the food that we pack in their lunchboxes, may also harm them.
Here is what I learned:
- Candies and Chocolates: These produce sticky sugar, which remains stuck in the teeth and can feed bacteria.
- Chips and Crackers: Starches produced by these can act as a sugar and cause harm.
- Citrus Fruits: No doubt, they are healthy foods, but their acidic content can harm enamel.
- Dried Fruits: Sugar content that remains within the teeth is difficult to clean.
- Cookies and Donuts: These may be tasty, but they damage cavities.
- Jellies and Jams: Natural sugar or not, it still lingers on teeth.
- Peanut Butter: Good fats, yes – but it sticks and hides sugar in the crevices.
- Sweetened Drinks: All such drinks are full of sugar content.
What We Can Do – Without Panic
We cannot stop children from eating. Nor should we. However, nothing stops us from guiding them.
A little habit change can do miracles, such as:
- Brushing immediately after consuming sugary foods.
- Drinking plain water more often can wash away residual sugars.
- Sweets can be served with meals
- Avoid eating the whole day
- Regularly visit the dental clinic for a checkup.
Prefer to eat the following good foods, such as:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Apples
- Melons
- Yogurt.
A Pause Before the Next Bite
So, whenever your child asks for snacks, just take a look at the labels of the snacks that you offer. It is important to remember to check the sugar content present in those snacks. In some foods, sugar may be disguised as some other ingredient, which may leave its mark after some time.
As a parent, it is important that we stand between their innocent smile and the cavity. These days, you can find plenty of information on social media posts and many other forums.
