Tag: Tips

Common Factors Leading to Cavities in Kids

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Kid Cavaties Header Image 

Every parent wants their child to have a bright, healthy smile. However, cavities can sneak up and cause problems if you don’t know what to look out for. Understanding the causes of cavities in children is crucial for maintaining good oral health. 

The Role of Sugar and Diet

Sugar is one of the primary causes of cavities in children. When children consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in their mouths feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel, leading to decay over time.

Another dietary factor is the frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Items such as citrus fruits, sodas, and sports drinks can erode tooth enamel, making it easier for cavities to form. While these foods can be part of a balanced diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation and ensure children brush their teeth afterward to neutralize the acids.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

Inadequate brushing and flossing are significant contributors to cavity formation. Effective oral hygiene involves brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Unfortunately, many children are not diligent about these practices, either because they forget or because they lack the manual dexterity to brush and floss effectively.

Parents should oversee their children’s brushing routines, especially for younger children who may not clean their teeth thoroughly. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are essential for professional cleanings and early detection of potential issues.

Fluoride is another key component in preventing cavities. Most public water supplies contain fluoride, but parents should check if their local water is fluoridated. If not, they can consult with their pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements or treatments.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of cavities in children is the first step toward prevention. Be mindful of their diet and oral hygiene routines. If cavities appear, search for your local dentist nearby and learn more about cavity fillings in Greenville, NC. Wilson Pediatric Dentistry is a great resource for cavity treatment and prevention. 

Maintaining a healthy smile requires ongoing attention and care, but the results are well worth the effort. Let’s keep our children’s smiles bright and cavity-free!

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dental Fillings

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Fillings

As parents, you want to ensure your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong. However, sometimes cavities happen. Our pediatric dentist will use dental fillings — one of the most common dental procedures — to help preserve your child’s smile when these problems occur in Greenville, NC.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are regularly used to repair and rebuild parts of a tooth compromised by cavities and decay. Cracks or fractures caused by accidents, or everyday wear and tear also often need fillings, even if the damage is in baby teeth. The process involves removing the damaged part of the tooth, cleaning the area, and filling it with a suitable material to keep the tooth stable and healthy.

The Dental Filling Procedure for Kids

  1. Diagnosis: The first step involves a diagnosis. This might be done through a visual exam, X-rays, or other diagnostic tools. We will carefully check your child’s teeth to see the extent of the issue.
  2. Numbing: To keep your child comfortable, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth, minimizing pain and discomfort.
  3. Removal of Decay: The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with specialized instruments to prevent further damage.
  4. Cleaning and Preparation: After removing the damage, the cavity is cleaned to get rid of any bacteria and debris. The area is then prepped for the filling to ensure it bonds well with the material.
  5. Filling Placement: Depending on the chosen material — like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain — the filling is applied in layers. Each layer is hardened or cured using a special light.
  6. Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, it is shaped to fit the natural contours of your child’s tooth. Finally, it is polished to ensure a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with other teeth.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Fillings

Here are a few tips to help care for your child’s dental fillings and their overall oral health:

  • Ensure they brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Teach them to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils that can damage fillings.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to decay.
  • Consider preventative dental sealants as an extra step to protect your child’s hard-to-brush back teeth.

Fillings are a key part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy and functional. If you suspect your child needs a cavity filling in Greenville, or have any concerns about their oral health, don’t search your phone for “dentist near me” — just reach out to us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Your child’s smile is our top priority!

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

tooth pain header image

Knowing when to visit an emergency pediatric dentist can help your child avoid preventable pain, ease your worry, and even save you money in the long run. As the top kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, Wilson Pediatric Dentistry can provide rapid assessments and care for various timely situations like knocked-out teeth, abscesses, or swelling. Learn when to visit your emergency dentist in Greenville and rest easy.

What Is an Emergency Pediatric Dentist?

An emergency pediatric dentist addresses sudden, painful, and urgent dental needs within a 24-hour window, giving your children quick relief and treatment and preventing conditions from deteriorating. At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we have a designated emergency hotline specifically for scheduling and getting your children in as quickly as possible.

Emergency dentistry covers a wide range of different ailments and situations, ranging from abscessed, impacted teeth to sports accidents. It also encompasses damaged or lost crowns, loose fillings, and chips. It can also be highly preventative, as chipped or cracked teeth could develop dangerous and painful abscesses and require root canals or total extraction.

When to See an Emergency Dentist in Greenville

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, we encourage you to get in touch. Our team can help determine what sort of care they need and whether an emergency appointment is necessary. Our priority if your care, and every case is different. There are, however, some situations that almost certainly require emergency care.

Chipped Teeth

Cracked or chipped teeth can be initially painful, but the real danger with damaged teeth is that bacteria can get into the crack and form an infection. Intensive dental care is often required when this happens. If your child chips or cracks their tooth, give us a call. We will be able to fully assess the situation and determine whether immediate dental care is required.

Missing Teeth

While chips and cracks happen occasionally, knocked-out teeth are a much more traumatic experience and can be more painful for your child. If possible, it’s essential to find and keep the tooth and contact our team immediately. Put the tooth in some milk to preserve it for as long as possible while waiting for your appointment.

Swollen Jaw

Swelling can be problematic and often constitutes a dental emergency. If your child experiences a facial injury, is having trouble talking, chewing, or moving their mouth, or has a lot of swelling, it’s time to give us a call.

Abscess

Abscesses are oral infections that generally manifest themselves in swelling and pus. They can be very painful for your child and require immediate emergency dental care. Abscesses can form from untreated chips and cracks and can worsen if not immediately treated by our team.

The Top Choice for Pediatric Dentists in Greenville

Get in touch if your child has dental pain, swelling, or missing or cracked teeth. Our team will answer any questions, talk you through treatment, and get your child an appointment as soon as possible if appropriate. For peace of mind and excellent care, call Wilson Pediatric Dentistry at 252-291-4300.

Treating Your Child’s Cavities

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

children dental image header

Maintaining your child’s dental health is essential to their overall well-being, and cavity prevention is a critical aspect of dental health. Need some help keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy? Here are some tips from your pediatric dentist in Greenville on cavity prevention, as well as information on where you can go if you need a cavity filling for your child.

Encourage Brushing and Flossing

The first line of defense between your child and tooth decay is good habits with brushing and flossing. Ensure that you provide a good-quality toothbrush and a dentist-recommended toothpaste to provide the foundation your child needs for good dental health. Your pediatric dentist can help you find the right products. As your child ages, you might consider adding mouthwash to their routine.

Make sure your child is dedicating around two minutes to brushing twice a day, both in the morning and in the evening. You should also help them work on their brushing technique to ensure hard-to-reach areas, such as around the molars at the back of the mouth, are being cleaned.

Make Water the Drink of Choice

Sodas, energy drinks, juices, and other sugary drinks are one of the leading causes of tooth decay. This is especially true for children, who many of these products are marketed towards. Limiting your child’s consumption of sugary drinks such as these is one of the best steps you can take toward preventing cavities.

Encourage your child to drink water on a regular basis as a way to promote good dental health. Soda and other sweet drinks might be alright for an occasional treat, but it’s important to limit the amount your child consumes by making sure it isn’t their usual go-to drink.

Eliminate Sugary and Processed Foods

Your child’s diet has a major impact on their dental health. More and more, our supermarkets are dominated by processed foods that are high in sugar and other harmful ingredients. While the convenience and ease foods like these offer make them easy to choose to save time and effort in our busy lives, it’s important that you don’t let these foods become the primary staple of your child’s diet.

Shop for fresh produce and other wholesome ingredients for your meals. Home-cooked meals don’t have a high sugar content and other factors that will negatively impact your child’s dental health. As an added bonus, sitting together for tasty home-cooked meals will also give you time to enjoy some quality moments together, sharing memorable meals.

Get Cavity Filling from Your Pediatric Dentist in Greenville

Need more information on pediatric dental health or any treatment for your child? Our experts are standing by to provide everyday treatments, fillings for cavities, and all your pediatric dental health needs. Schedule an appointment with our caring staff to keep your child’s smile as bright as their future.

When Should Your Child Start Brushing Their Own Teeth?

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

How early should you be helping your child to brush their teeth? Afterwards, when and how should kids start brushing their own teeth? With so much information available online, it can be difficult to get the clear answer you’re looking for as a parent.

 

Read on to learn more about tips that you can use today to start good brushing habits with your kids, and to answer the question of when your children should begin brushing their own teeth. 

 

When should you begin brushing your child’s teeth? 

You can begin brushing your child’s teeth from as early as four months old, well before they even have teeth.

 

Starting early can help to stimulate blood flow in the gums, and can encourage great oral health from an early age. Simply use a wet, soft towel or even your finger. You won’t have to worry about using toothpaste until their first tooth appears. Be sure to use a very small amount on a soft-bristled brush when you brush your child’s teeth for the first time. 

 

How can I help my child have good brushing habits? 

Brushing their teeth on their own is a habit that you’ll have to support your child in learning. Your child can start learning how to brush their own teeth at age 3, while they should be brushing their own teeth morning and night by age 4. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you to stay on the right track with your child’s personal oral hygiene habits from a young age. 

 

  1. Mirror & copy 

Have your child take part in your own oral care routine. Focusing on having them mirror you can help you to instill good brushing habits, and allows you to regularly monitor their oral health. It also shows them how high of a priority oral care is when it comes to one’s overall well-being.

 

  1. Encourage & incentivize 

As your child develops, you can begin using habit trackers and other incentives to keep them on the right track. Rewards work well to solidify these habits at every stage of development.

 

  1. Visit your pediatric dentist 

Making your dentist trips a priority is key for pediatric oral health. Looking for a pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC? The team at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. With years of success and hundreds of happy patients, we’re confident that we can help you get the care you need for excellent oral health. Keep browsing our website to learn more, and feel welcome to schedule your appointment today.

How to Comfort Your Child for Their First Dental Appointment

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Kids Dentist Visit

Most pediatric dentists agree that a child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled around the time of their first birthday. One reason for this is that it provides a way to ensure that your child’s smile is developing just the way it’s supposed to. Additionally, it creates early familiarity with dental care, helping your child to become more comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist.

 

Even if you do ensure early exposure to the dentist, however, bracing your child for a cleaning can be a little bit daunting. (After all, there are even adults who get the jitters before their trip to the dentist.) Here are a few tips for parents to keep in mind as they seek to comfort their child in advance of a dental appointment.

 

Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

 

  •   Exude positivity. If you convey anxiety, your child will doubtless pick up on it. Even if you’re not a huge fan of going to the dentist yourself, it’s important to put on a smile and adopt a cheerful tone as you drive your child to the appointment.
  •   Check out some books and shows. Try to find some children’s stories that involve (positive) trips to the dentist, which will show your child what a routine part of life it is.
  •   Schedule your appointment for earlier in the day. Generally speaking, kids do better at the dentist when they are still pretty fresh and alert.
  •   Find the right dentist. We highly recommend finding a pediatric dental practice. Pediatric dentists have special expertise in soothing children’s nerves and helping them feel safe and comfortable during their cleaning. (Naturally, for a kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, we recommend our practice!)
  •   Ask for a tour. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for a quick tour of the building before the appointment, showing your child that it’s not a scary place.
  •   Don’t talk about it too far in advance. No need to let your child’s imagination run wild for weeks before the appointment. Instead, consider telling them about the appointment on the morning of.

 

To schedule your child’s dental cleaning in Greenville, NC, we invite you to contact Wilson Pediatric Dentistry at your convenience.

Teeth are Not Tools: Why You Shouldn’t Misuse Your Teeth

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

All of us know what it’s like to struggle with some kind of packaging, usually plastic, that we just can’t seem to get open. Without a knife or scissors handy, you may feel the temptation to just use your teeth. That temptation is all the more pronounced when you’re not thinking very clearly about oral health or the long-term effect misusing your teeth on objects can have.

 

The simple reality, though, is that your teeth aren’t tools, and using them as such can create long-term damage. As parents, it’s important to reiterate to your children that the teeth are there for chewing food, not for tearing off tags, opening packages, or carrying items around the house.

 

The Problem with Using Teeth as Tools

 

It may help to have some clarity on exactly what can happen when you use your teeth as tools, or when you allow your kids to do likewise.

 

The most obvious issue is that using your teeth as tools can damage them. Using teeth to open packaging is one of the leading causes of chipped teeth. In some cases, using teeth to open packaging can break the teeth, requiring them to be replaced with artificial teeth or potentially even dental implants. Misusing your teeth can also wear out tooth enamel, leading to your teeth becoming more sensitive and prone to harmful damage.

 

There are other oral health risks, too. For example, using the teeth to open packaging can cause cuts to the lips, gums, or inside of the mouth.

 

In some cases, using the teeth to open a package may even injure the jaw, causing ongoing pain or impeding proper functionality. Don’t forget that placing any non-food item in your mouth can potentially be a choking hazard, a risk that’s even more serious for kids.

 

The bottom line? Using the teeth as tools is tempting, but also very dangerous. Always take the extra step of seeking scissors, instead. Depending on their age, kids should be encouraged to do likewise, or to come to a grown-up for help.

 

Find a Pediatric Dentist Near Me

 

With any questions about ensuring proper oral health and hygiene for your kids, feel free to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentistry team. Reach out to Wilson Pediatric Dentistry at your convenience.

5 Harmful Oral Habits Parents Should Discourage

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists see what happens when kids possess oral habits that cause more harm than good. That’s why they’ve teamed up with parents to show kids how to help themselves. But where do you begin? Which habits are causing your kids’ dental health to deteriorate? Keep an eye out for the following habits that you can actively discourage:

  1. Nail biting and thumb sucking: Nail biting can introduce germs and bacteria into your child’s mouth and your child could likewise transmit germs onto what they touch. Thumb sucking can cause an overbite if the habit isn’t disrupted. Positive reinforcement goes a long way to curbing the habit. Some parents have tried putting a bitter or sour food-safe solution on their child’s nail or thumb to help discourage the habit. 
  2. Aggressive brushing: Some kids can be overly aggressive with brushing their teeth. Explaining to them that brushing their teeth gently will still dislodge food or plaque on the surface of their teeth or at their gum line will help end this behavior. Most importantly, keep a close eye on them and follow up with them to make sure they’re brushing correctly. 
  3. Chewing on hard objects: It’s very tempting for kids to chew on their candy or the ice in their drink. Teach them that this could lead to them chipping or fracturing their tooth, which could mean a lot of pain and a trip to the dentist. Encourage them to drink through a straw.
  4. Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding can do a lot of damage to kids’ teeth and you may not even know it’s an issue until a dentist sees the wear and tear. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent damage from getting any worse – so make sure that your child is seeing their dentist regularly!
  5. Not using a mouth guard for sports or other rough activity: Your child could crack or lose their teeth if they’re not wearing a mouth guard while playing contact sports. Explain to them the importance of wearing a mouth guard and provide positive reinforcement until it becomes a habit.

Many times, kids will grow out of these habits. If they don’t, an ingrained habit can be especially hard to break. Keep a lookout for the above habits and try to disrupt or break the pattern while they are still young. 

Pediatric Dentist in Knightdale, NC

If your child suffers from any of the above habits, or you’re not sure, come see us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry to check out their dental health. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” We provide kid-friendly dental examinations that can catch cavities, tooth damage, etc. before it gets any worse. Call us at 252.291.4300 to schedule an appointment, or contact us here!

6 Pediatric Dentist-Approved Snacks to Pack in Your Kids’ Lunchboxes

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

With school back in session, you may be adding lunchbox snacks to your grocery list again to stock the pantry. 

Buying smart snacks that are not only good for your kids’ teeth, but also high in calcium and fluoride can go a long way in saving you and your kids from a trip to see about a cavity. 

Wilson Pediatric Dentistry Recommends Teeth-Healthy Snack Choices

Throughout the crackers, cookies, and snacks aisle you’ll notice much of the prepackaged foods are high in processed sugars and additives. Many ingredients hide behind unrecognizable names for a reason. 

A great way to avoid these poor ingredients is to try sticking with unprocessed whole foods. If what you’re looking at is packaged in an aisle, chances are it’s been heavily processed, and these kinds of snacks can corrode enamel, cause bacteria growth, accelerate the build-up of tartar and plaque, and cause cavities. 

A majority of the popular food brands are guilty of packing their snacks with high sugar content to appeal to your young ones’ tastes, but their teeth end up suffering for it. The good news is that there are plenty of tasty, teeth-friendly snacks that kids love.

6 Pediatric Dentist-Approved Tasty Snacks:

High fiber fresh fruits

  • Bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, etc.
    1. Note that citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are high in citric acid which can erode tooth enamel, so moderation is key
  • Fruits add a component of sweetness to your kids’ lunchbox and are packed with vitamins

Raw vegetables

  • Cucumbers, celery, baby carrots, and broccoli paired with ranch or hummus
  • Crisp veggies help scrape away any build-up on your children’s teeth

Yogurt, milk, cheese

  • High in calcium and Vitamin D, these foods are usually a hit with the little ones, but be careful to avoid yogurt brands that are packed with sugar
    1. Go for low-sugar options whenever possible

Nuts, seeds, and nut butters

  • Apple slices and celery stalks with peanut butter are lunchbox favorites and pediatric dentist-approved!
  • Low sodium or unsalted nuts can be a great source of protein and provide a healthier alternative to chips and other common junk foods

Naturally-flavored carbonated drinks

  • These are healthier alternatives to fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks

Eggs

  • Eggs are rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D and don’t contain as many calories or as much fat found in meats.

Beware of snacks that sound healthy but are not. For example, Goldfish crackers are a popular salty snack, but contain white flour that gets stuck under the gumline and between teeth which causes tooth decay. Another sneaky snack is dried or gummy fruit candies. Companies are known to add extra sugar to these treats which also becomes easily lodged between your children’s teeth. A good habit to form is researching snacks you’re interested in before buying, and always practicing moderation.

Schedule Your Next Appointment with Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

While parents can do their part to help their little ones avoid a trip to the dentist, sometimes it’s unavoidable. If your child needs a cavity treatment, teeth cleaning, or early orthodontic care, Dr. Jasmine Elmore and her team are ready to serve you. Call us at 252-291-4300 or schedule your appointment here today.

5 Misconceptions About Brushing Your Teeth

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Brushing our teeth is essential for maintaining oral health. This is true for both adults and children. Unfortunately, there are plenty of harmful misconceptions regarding the practice of tooth-brushing. Let’s debunk these misunderstandings below to help you and your family form healthy, lasting habits.

 

  • If I brush my teeth regularly, I don’t have to worry about flossing.

 

This is simply not true. Even if you’re a pro at brushing your teeth, the truth is, a toothbrush can’t reach the spaces between your teeth where bits of food and other debris build up. This leads to plaque formation. Coupled with professional cleaning, flossing is an essential step in preventing and removing plaque.

 

  • The harder I brush my teeth, the cleaner they’ll be when I’m done.

 

Brushing your teeth too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can actually wear away the natural protective enamel lining your teeth. Try not to apply too much pressure and make sure to regularly replace your toothbrush since the bristles will grow harder with continued use.

 

  • If I brush my teeth thoroughly before seeing a dentist, they won’t know I don’t brush often enough.

 

Not brushing your teeth regularly enough causes tartar and plaque buildup in those sensitive, hard-to-reach places. Your dentist will be able to see this even if you can’t, and the buildup may also lead to inflammation in your gums causing them to bleed when you brush or when your dentist cleans your teeth.

 

  • If I don’t eat a lot of sugar, I don’t need to worry about brushing my teeth.

 

Although sugar is one of the main culprits behind cavity formation and tooth decay, many sugar-free foods and beverages are known to wear away your teeth and/or lead to bad breath. Brushing is your first defense for preventing both. Learn more about our cavity treatments and other services here.

 

  • Chewing-gum and mints are good replacements for teeth-brushing

 

This is false. While chewing-gums and mints are often used to keep your breath fresh, they do nothing to remove debris from between your teeth or to help prevent decay. What provides real, lasting help is proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing is essential in preventing bad breath and for maintaining a healthy, bright smile.

Avoiding these 5 misconceptions about dental care makes all the difference. Now you may help your family start forming those healthy teeth care habits that dentists love. For more information and to get your children started off on the right foot with their dental health, please contact us or schedule your appointment online.

How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Child

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Finding a dentist you like can be hard enough for an adult. So its understandable that many parents are particular about finding just the right dentist for their child. Establishing a positive dental experience at a young age is important and can set a child on a path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

 

Below are five tips for finding the right dentist for your child so that both of you can be comfortable and confident in the care they receive. 

Finding the Ideal Dentist for Your Child

1. Find a pediatric dentist

There are dentists who treat children, and then there are pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in working with the small and delicate mouths of children, dealing with their behaviors and fears and creating a positive experience. Look for pediatric dentists near you when searching for a dentist for your child. 

2. Look for a fun environment

A dentist’s office can be a scary place for a child, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking for a dentist for your child, visit the office in person to see the inside. Kid-friendly offices are generally decorated with bright colors and playful designs that can have a positive psychological effect on a nervous youngster. 

3. Ask about their approach

Some dentists take more of a reactive approach. But young teeth and gums need a more proactive approach that uses sealants, fluoride treatments and other preventive measures to stop tooth decay and gum disease before it happens and keep your child’s oral health on the right path. Call any prospective dentist and ask about their preventive services for children. 

4.  See if they teach good dental habits

A children’s trip to the dentist should be more than just an appointment to have their teeth cleaned. They should also leave with some knowledge and advice about how to properly care for their teeth. When trying to find the right dentist for your child, look for one who provides education in addition to service. 

5. Find one that has options for anxious children

If your child is especially nervous or anxious, some dentists offer the use of nitrous oxide or anesthesia in dosages that are safe for young patients. While this may not be for everyone, it’s something to consider for more serious dental work or particularly scared children. 

Find the Right Dentist for Your Child at Wilson Pediatric

If you’re looking for dentists in Wilson, NC, you’ll find the perfect one for your child right here at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Jasmine Elmore is a pediatric dentist who takes a preventive and educational approach to dentistry in a fun and kid-friendly setting. We also provide nitrous oxide and anesthesia for children who may be especially sensitive or have high anxiety about the dentist. 

 

Contact us with any questions about our practice or visit us on Wooten Blvd in Wilson, NC, to learn more about how we may be the right dentist for your child.

Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Cavity Fillings | Greenville, NC

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

In the seemingly endless cycle of preparing meals and snacks for your little ones, you may be tempted to grab whatever is most convenient in order to preserve time and energy. When it comes to the foods that your toddler or child likely prefers at this age, many of those go-to meals and snacks could be unexpectedly causing tooth decay. Continue reading to learn more.

Surprising Foods Which Lead to Tooth Decay

Simple Carbs

Pastas, cereals, rice, crackers, and breads all have two things in common. The first is that they are likely some of your child’s favorite foods. The second is that these are all simple carbs. 

Simple carbs usually make up the white or yellow foods in your child’s diet. The structure of the grains are so simple that they begin to break down into basic sugars immediately upon entering the mouth. These sugars have a tendency of sticking to the teeth which can quickly lead to tooth decay. 

Swap out your child’s favorite simple carbs with more complex options such as brown rice, and whole grain pasta, cereals, and breads. 

Sticky Foods

Are you even a parent if you don’t have a half dozen bags of fruit snacks hidden away in your car or purse? These fruit snacks are a favorite treat for kids and they are considered a healthy alternative to other gummies. The problem with fruit snacks is that they are still very high in sugar and will adhere themselves to your child’s teeth for longer periods of time. 

The same problem arises with dried fruits. Raisins, dried apricots, dried mango, and dates will glue themselves to your child’s teeth well after snack time is over. 

Juices

Juice is one of the most common culprits of early tooth decay. Juices are packed with sugar, and when children are young, they are usually consumed through a sippy cup. 

The naturally high sugar content of juice sipped from a cup which encourages the drink to slowly pool into the mouth will expose the teeth to the damaging effects of sugar for a longer period of time. 

Limit the amount of juice your child drinks and try to dilute the juice with water to minimize the sugar intake. Also, encourage your child to drink her juice through a straw instead of a sippy cup since this encourages her to quickly swallow the drink. 

Cavity Fillings in Greenville, NC

Even when taking every precaution, it is still necessary to have your child’s teeth checked routinely for early signs of tooth decay. Wilson Pediatric Dentistry offers a variety of services including pediatric teeth cleanings and cavity fillings in Greenville, NC. Schedule your next appointment today.