Summer days means lazy afternoons by the pool and busy evenings at sporting events, concerts or on the road traveling with the family.\u00a0 Concession stands and snack bars tempt us with a variety of sweets and sugar-filled soda and juices, so parents must create strategies that will protect your children’s dental health and counteract tooth decay!<\/p>\n
Here are five easy-to-follow summer tips that will help protect your child\u2019s teeth from decay:<\/p>\n
Nothing beats H20.<\/strong>\u00a0Bacteria are attracted to sugar and together they create an acid, which causes tooth decay and deterioration.\u00a0 Water rinses your mouth of bacteria and acid in addition to increasing the formation of your saliva. A straw can save your child\u2019s smile.<\/strong>\u00a0If your kids are going to drink a sugary beverage, using a straw can keep sugar away from their teeth. It\u2019s best to drink sugary beverages with a meal rather than permitting kids to sip on them throughout the day.\u00a0 Acid penetrates tooth enamel – so follow up sugary beverages with water to rinse your mouth until brushing time!<\/p>\n Consider the length of your snack sessions.<\/strong>\u00a0We all want to have a treat now and again – the key is moderation. If your children are sucking away on sour candy keys or chewing Swedish berries throughout the day, acid is given the opportunity to erode their teeth. Snacks that can be eaten in one session, like popcorn or baked chips are a better alternative – teeth are exposed to food for a shorter time, and these snacks encourage saliva production to rinse away the food particles.<\/p>\n
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\nBe sure to read all labeling<\/strong>\u00a0on food and beverages you are choosing for your family at the supermarket. Consider your family\u2019s usual selection of beverages… Are they full of sugar? Stay away from beverages loaded with sugar and acid.<\/p>\n