As a practicing pediatric dentist, I have encountered many families who are striving to adopt healthy eating habits and good oral health practices. Sometimes, despite their best efforts, we determine that their child needs dental work. After an in-depth discussion with the parents and child, we often discover that they are eating certain “healthy” foods that actually contribute to the problem. While many parents are familiar with the most common causes of tooth problems, it’s also important to know the other, less talked about foods and habits that can harm children’s teeth.

The Basics

What causes cavities? When we eat sugar or foods that contain carbohydrates, the bacteria in our mouths eats some of those sugars and forms acid. When teeth are repeatedly exposed to acids, cavities can form. Cavities in kids are linked to frequent and prolonged exposure to sugary drinks and snacks combined with ineffective oral care.

Major culprits in the toddler and preschool years are extended use of sippy cups containing milk or juice, and frequent snacking on starchy foods. School-age kids and teens who often have less supervision from parents, may have more access to soft drinks, junk food, and candy that can contribute to tooth decay and erosion.

That’s why pediatric dentists strongly recommend eating only at snack and meal times, limiting the exposure teeth have to sugar. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss between teeth that touch at least once a day. Parents should brush and floss their child’s teeth until age 8. After age 8, supervise your child to ensure they are doing it properly.

Foods to Avoid

Gummy Vitamins

Although designed to be a tasty way to help kids (and adults) get their daily supplements, the first ingredient is sugar. While the amount of sugar in a gummy vitamin is relatively small, a gummy’s sticky texture clings to teeth, greatly prolonging the sugar exposure. Even if parents brush immediately after, it can be virtually impossible to remove all gummy remnants.

Healthy Alternative: Chewable vitamins

·····

Dried Fruit, Fruit Snacks, Other Gummy Treats

Like gummy vitamins, these snacks are high in sugar and have the same sticky, tacky nature that makes them difficult to remove from teeth. This results in a prolong exposure to sugar which can cause tooth decay.

Healthy Alternative: Fresh fruits, nuts & cheese

·····

Carbonated Beverages and Diet Drinks

Both regular and sugar-free sodas are very acidic. This can cause tooth erosion, where acids dissolve tooth enamel, which unfortunately cannot grow back. If acid exposure continues, parts of the teeth will begin to dissolve, leaving cupped out surfaces that grow larger over time. Due to the size of baby teeth and the relatively large nerve, teeth can develop sensitivity as the tooth surface dissolves away. Teeth may shift position, become sensitive and require fillings. Crowns or tooth removal may be required in advanced stages.

Healthy Alternative: Water with sugar-free flavoring drops

·····

Sour Foods and Drinks

Sucking on lemons, sour candy, and beverages containing citric acid can cause the same erosion pattern as described above. When sour foods also contain sugar, they can be especially harmful. The increased acidity may cause decay to grow at a faster rate.

Healthy Alternative:  Water with a lemon wedge and Stevia or fresh fruit