The Pediatric Dentist’s Guide to Healthy Snacks

Three out of ten children have cavities by the age of three. Nutrition plays a major role in the creation of cavities. There are three essential elements to cavities. There must be a tooth, the bacteria that causes cavities, and a sugary substance to feed the bacteria. Without that sugar, the cavity cannot and will not form.

Frequency is a factor in causing cavities as well. The more frequently your child has something sweet, the more likely he/she will get a cavity. The less they snack between meals, the better. The reality is that most children snack between meals. There are “good” snacks and “bad” snacks. “Good” snacks can usually be found in the refrigerator. These include cheese, yogurt, fresh fruits, and vegetables. “Bad” snacks are often found in the pantry like pretzels, crackers, chips, fruit snacks, raisins, and candy. Most parents fail to realize that pretzels and crackers are not good for teeth. These snacks are high in carbohydrates. Those carbs turn into sugar and then the sugar feeds the bacteria that cause the cavities. Other snacks that can be deceiving are raisins and fruit snacks. They are also high in cards, stay on the teeth longer, and tend to cause cavities.

Gatorade, soda, sports drinks, and juices tend to cause cavities as well. All of these are very high in sugars and acid. Both will eat away at the teeth. If the children like that sweet flavor, you can use a flavored water. Water with fluoride is the best (bottled or tap). So, when it is your turn to bring snacks after the game, bottled water, string cheese and yogurt are some great hits for the teeth.

Dr. John Gennantonio--Pediatric Dentist

Bad Breath

There are several causes of bad breath: Spicy foods, dry mouth, smoking, periodontal disease and some medical conditions. Bad breath is caused by sulfur producing bacteria. It can ben reduced, and sometimes eliminated by daily flossing, throughly brushing the teeth, top of the tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth. You may even achieve greater reduction in bad breath by adding an antibacterial mouth rinse to your daily oral hygiene and getting regular professional dental cleanings.

Susie Dibo-Ngalle--Dental Hygienist