Most parents are aware of the effects of a sugary diet on their kids’ teeth. Kid favorites like candy, soda, and sugary fruit juices feed cavity-causing bacteria, which is why many people choose to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. However, sugar isn’t the only thing endangering your child’s oral health. Here are three surprising foods you may not expect to contribute to cavities.
Surprising Kid-Friendly Foods That Can Cause Cavities
1. Ice
Contrary to popular belief, ice isn’t harmless for your oral health. Human teeth aren’t optimized for crunching down on hard objects, including sold pieces of ice. A habit of chewing on ice can potentially damage the enamel, which paves the way for cavities to form later on.
2. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain high levels of acid that can erode dental enamel over time, leaving teeth vulnerable to developing cavities. Other high-acid fruits, like pineapples and peaches, pose the same threat to your teeth. To enjoy the nutritional benefits of fruit without risking your oral health, children’s dentists in Dallas recommend rinsing with water after consuming any citrus.
3. Sticky Foods
Foods with a sticky or gummy texture can cause cavities to form by sticking to the teeth and attracting cavity-causing bacteria. Dried fruit, gummy candies, and chewy baked goods are some items that may fall under this category. To get around this, emphasize the importance of oral hygiene to your child.
Consult a Professional
The best defense against cavities is regular brushing and flossing. Keeping up with annual dental checkups is the second-best defense. If you need a children’s dentist in Dallas, contact Rio Dental & Orthodontics today.
