Dental health is very important to everyone, especially to children.
You should make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day.
Not only that, you should also make sure that their sugar intake is in moderation.
This is because, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar is vital in producing aching teeth decays.
Food to Avoid for Healthy Teeth
Dr Hanna Kinsella, a dentist shared on TikTok three food you should avoid giving kids to keep their teeth healthy.
Are you surprised at any of these? #dentistry #kidsbrushingteeth #pediatricdentistry #parenttips #parenttipsandtricks #mumsoftiktok
1. Raisins
Dr Hanna mentioned that raisins are one of the three snacks she would never give her children.
Most people think that raisins are natural sweets.
That isn’t the case as she said that they contain so much sugar.
These raisins are also very sticky and can get stuck in between baby teeth, causing decay.
2. Sticky Sweets
Sticky candies, lollipops and toffee are other food to avoid giving children or given in moderation.
This is because they are sticky and could adhere in between the teeth.
Children are also less likely to get irritated by sticky things to sit in between their teeth.
3. Fruit Pouches
Fruit pouches or fruit squeeze yoghurts are the last type of snacks Dr Hanna urged parents to avoid.
Most of these contain so much sugar.
She reminded parents to read carefully what’s in the ingredients and check the sugar content.
The Importance of Dental Health to Children
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), untreated cavities can cause pain and infections.
This would then lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.
Cavities are preventable and it starts with your supervision.
The CDC also shared what parents can do to prevent unwanted cavities.
1. For Babies
For babies, what you need to do is wipe their gums twice a day with soft and clean cloth after the first feeding and before bed.
When their teeth come in, you can start brushing twice a day with soft and small-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
2. For Children
Make sure that they brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Help your kids until they have a good brushing skill.
It’s recommended for kids to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and to spit it out.
Too much toothpaste can discolour and pit the permanent teeth, according to CDC.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
You should schedule regular dental checkups for your child as they might not even realise a cavity is forming.
This is because symptoms might not show at all when it’s just beginning, according to Mayo Clinic.
Get your child to see a dentist immediately if they experience these symptoms:
- toothache
- tooth sensitivity
- mild to sharp pain when eating when eating something sweet, hot or cold
- visible holes or pits in teeth
- brown, black or white staining on tooth
- pain when biting down on something
Teach Kids About Dental Care
Make sure your kids know why taking care of their teeth is important.
You don’t have to necessarily stop giving kids the food listed above, just make sure it’s not excessive.
Always remind them to brush their teeth regularly and they’ll be fine.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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