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Sweets are not the best food for your child, both in terms of nutrition and oral health.
Sugar from candy is harmful to your child's teeth and can cause cavities that might require a variety of restorative dental services.
But, does this mean that you should completely forbid your child to eat any sugar just to prevent tooth decay? Not necessarily. Sugar can cause cavities when eaten in excess, but this doesn't mean that you should completely ban it from your child's diet. There are some options out there that are not as harmful if consumed in moderation. Because in the end, moderation is the key when it comes to your oral and general health.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has much less sugar than other types of chocolate, making it a good snack for your little one. This way, they can get a sweet treat without the risk of cavities.
Dark chocolate is also an excellent source of antioxidants for your kid.
Candy Bars with Nuts
These bars are actually an excellent way for your little ones to clean their teeth. As your child eats them, the nuts in the bars can clean his teeth of any traces of sugar left behind by the sugar in the candy, reducing the risk of cavities.
Of course, these bars should be avoided if your child suffers from a nut allergy.
Sugar-free Lollipops and Hard Candy
These candies are beneficial because they stimulate your child's saliva secretion, eliminating the risks posed by a dry mouth, such as the development of plaque and consequently of cavities.
Also, these candies take a long time to be consumed, which means that your child will likely consume fewer candies.
Sugar-Free Gum
If not consumed in excess, sugar-free gum can be beneficial for the oral health of your child, actively cleaning their teeth by removing food particles trapped between them.
It also stimulates saliva production and decreases the risk of cavities and plaque buildup.
Candies Your Child Should Avoid
Try to keep your kids away from these sweet treats:
- Sticky candies can get stuck between teeth, making them very difficult to clean.
- Sour candies have a high level of acidity and can degrade your child’s tooth enamel.
- Sugary candy and snacks have a high amount of sugar, which gives bacteria more food to consume, and bacteria produces acids as waste, which degrades tooth enamel.
Cascadia Kids Keeps Little Teeth Healthy and Happy
At Cascadia Kids Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric care and can offer a complete range of dental services. On our website, you can find a detailed overview of our philosophy and the services that we offer, and the locations where you can find our offices.
If you want to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, get in touch with us now.
