As parents, one thing we strive to do is make sensible, informed decisions when it comes to our children’s health, from providing them with nutritious snacks and meals to encouraging regular dental hygiene and routine checkups. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the impact of beverages on dental health. While sugary snacks are most commonly associated with tooth decay, cavities and other oral health issues, certain drinks like soda can be just as harmful, if not more so, to our children’s teeth! Here’s a closer look at how these drinks affect teeth and some smart alternatives you should consider.
How Does Soda Affect Teeth?
If your child drinks soda, every single sip they take puts their teeth at a greater risk of getting cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the high amounts of sugar that are present in these beverages, allowing them to produce acids that attack enamel. Over time, these soda-empowered bacteria can do some serious damage to teeth, degrading their enamel and forming cavities.
Unfortunately, fruit juice isn’t much better for your child’s teeth; in fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you don’t give your baby any juice before they’re one year old, as the high amounts of sugar can lead to early tooth decay and other health issues. Energy drinks, sports drinks, and even diet soda all fall into this same category as well; they simply contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, period!
What Should My Child Drink Instead?
Luckily, there are numerous alternatives to soda that aren’t anywhere close to as harmful to teeth—and some even have oral health benefits! Consider these options for your child:
- Water – This is the best beverage for teeth by far; it contains no sugar and stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which is your first line of defense against cavities. Tap water also often has fluoride added to it, which can assist with the remineralization of enamel.
- Milk – Milk can also get the mouth’s saliva flowing, and it also contains high amounts of calcium and phosphates, both of which greatly benefit oral health.
- Tea – You’ll want to avoid sugary or iced teas, as they can facilitate cavities, but unsweetened tea can be quite tooth-friendly. Green tea is even known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which greatly benefit one’s oral health.
Of course, it’s also worth stating that practicing good oral hygiene will be easiest for your child if you help them build good habits as early as possible. As you’re conscious of what they’re drinking and eating, also be sure that they’re maintaining their teeth and gums by brushing twice each day and flossing. That way, even if they can’t help having a soda every now and then, their smile is far less likely to encounter any of the issues caused by these popular yet damaging drinks.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in the Nashua, NH community for several years, and we look forward to working with you to help your child achieve a radiant and healthy smile for life! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today for additional information. Telephone: (603) 255-7955.