State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care MANHATTAN PEDIATRIC
DENTAL GROUP, PC
     
 
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Diet and Dental Health
 
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Good diets are essential for children's proper growth and development. As with the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a well-balanced diet. Various factors can determine how foods affect a child's teeth. The more frequent the snacks, the greater the chances for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a significant role.

 

For example, candy remains in the mouth for a long time, causing longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. Although we all know that sugar is a major culprit in tooth decay, how often a carbohydrate-containing food is eaten and how long it remains in contact with teeth also influences the amount of damage. Potato chips, corn flakes, crackers, and bread are all examples of carbohydrate foods that have the potential to cause decay. It takes quite a bit of time for starches to break down into sugars that then dissolve and clear the mouth. The decay process continues until this process is completed OR until the teeth are cleaned. When thinking about the cavity potential of a particular snack, remember to think in terms of how long it remains in the mouth following consumption and, frequency (snack in moderation).