Does Candy Cause Rotten Teeth?
Ever wonder what it takes for your children to get rotten teeth? Children are very susceptible to tooth decay at young ages. The main factor leading to the rotting of teeth is diet. Foods high in sugar and starches can expedite the decay process exponentially, so you must keep your children’s diet in check! Throughout this article, we’ll dive into some healthy foods for your child’s gums and teeth and some not-so-healthy foods – and alternatives to some of your child’s favorite food items!
What causes rotten teeth?
Poor oral hygiene often leads to minor or major forms of tooth decay or rotting of the teeth. Decay is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. When that bacteria mixes with sugars in foods, it starts to create an acid that slowly eats away the tooth. If left untreated, there could be permanent damage to the tooth as well as immense pain and discomfort. This is why it’s so important to know the causes of a rotten tooth.
Rotten teeth can be caused by a multitude of factors, the top two being poor dental hygiene and a poor diet. As mentioned before, feeding your children a diet that is high in carbohydrates and sugar can contribute to tooth rot as those foods tend to stick to the tooth. Additionally, acidic beverages can also aid in faster tooth decay. Regularly brushing and flossing your children’s teeth is necessary to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Other causes of a rotten tooth can also be baby bottles, fluoride deficiency, or even a dry mouth.
Foods that are good for teeth
Many tooth-friendly foods can greatly benefit your child’s oral health. Here are some examples:
Apples
Just like how an apple a day keeps the doctor away, it can also keep the dentist away! Apples are rich in fiber and aid in scraping away plaque. This is a plus if your child already likes apples as a snack!
Dairy
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are some of the best foods you can give your child for optimal dental hygiene. They are rich in phosphorus and calcium, which help neutralize acids that are produced by plaque bacteria.
Foods that are good for your teeth and gums
Certain foods can not only be healthy for your children’s teeth but also for their gums. It’s important to incorporate these food items into your children’s diet! Here are some examples:
Foods Containing Vitamin C
Vitamin C is usually present in many fruits and vegetables such as oranges, limes, kiwis, sweet potatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, and tomatoes. The Vitamin C in these items helps kill the plaque bacteria while also providing a healthy supply of collagen to the gums.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain natural fats that coat teeth and shield them from outside bacteria and the oil from the seeds helps strengthen enamel. Some seeds also contain folic acid, which is a vitamin that reduces gum inflammation. .
FAQs About Candy and Rotten Teeth
The short answer, yes. Candy contains immense amounts of sugar which the bacteria feeds off of to catalyze the tooth decay process.
Since candy contains a high amount of sugar, the bacteria already existing in the mouth feeds off of that, creating an acid that strips the teeth at a faster pace
Hard candies and gummy candies. They are a dentist’s worst nightmare!
Research suggests sugar sits on your teeth for at least 20 minutes before moving out of its critical time frame. This is not to say that the sugar will completely dissolve after that amount of time, but rather that proper oral practice needs to be emplaced for the complete removal of sugars.
Candy and many other foods high in sugars and starches often cause rotten teeth. The best way to prevent that from happening is by monitoring your child’s oral hygiene routine as well as their diet. Diet does make or break a healthy smile. Additionally, it’s very important to assure your children that they are still able to have their favorite items, just in moderation and with proper aftercare!