How Can I manage My Child’s Sweet Tooth?
By DR. RISHITA JAJU – Smile Wonders Pediatric Dentistry
Whether it is Halloween or Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Birthday, our celebrations are inundated with sugary treats and choices.
If we want our kids to enjoy the celebrations and take ownership of their dental and mouth health, we must give them guidance to make the right choices rather than make an almost futile effort to remove sugary foods from their diet.
Don’t get me wrong!! As a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Harvard-trained specialist, I must warn my fellow parents that too many chocolates and sugary foods can lead to cavities! In fact, cavities are the number one chronic disease children face, and if left untreated, can lead to pain, infections, and even tooth loss. Your child may even experience problems speaking, eating, and learning as a result.
But as a mommy-dentist, I have firsthand experience to Never say Never for many things in my child’s and patient’s life, including Treats and Candy!!
There has yet to be a gathering of parents and friends where once I introduced myself and revealed that I am a pediatric dentist, that I have not been inundated with dentist stories or dental health questions by family, friends, neighbors, and other fellow parents alike…
Here are my quick pro-tips for countering sugar’s effect on children’s teeth.
1) Consider dental-friendly snacks.
It’s OK to give your child a sugary treat occasionally. The key is to limit the number of sticky candies such as starbursts, skittles, and laffy-taffy. Pick chocolate-based treats instead. Chocolates are a great alternative to sticky or chewy treats because they melt away from the teeth much easier.
During meal preps and snack time, always include at least one portion of healthy, non-processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich yogurt, broccoli, and milk whenever possible.
And of course, sweet and carbonated beverages, including fruit juices, both during and between meals are far too acidic for dental health and overall health. Prioritize fresh squeezed juices as much as possible.
2) Brushing twice a day
Brushing thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes in the morning after breakfast and right before bedtime is your Dentist’s recipe for happy, healthy teeth.
Always brush prior to bedtime, because when we sleep, our mouth is drier, and without enough saliva, bacteria in the mouth can quickly multiply.
Did you know? If your children have eaten sugary or acidic foods, it’s best to wait 30-60 minutes before brushing, as these items can soften the teeth’s enamel and brushing can erode the surface.
For babies who have no teeth yet, use a soft cloth to wipe your child’s gums after each meal.
3) Flossing (every night)
Flossing every night as early as when the first 2 teeth start touching each other is the best way to prevent decay between the teeth.
Using floss sticks to help with proper angle and access inside your child’s mouth is also a great way to get their cooperation.
Here’s a brain teaser: Every time that we floss between our teeth, we are protecting twice the number of teeth in that motion. Did you get it?
4) Rinsing
Eating food raises the pH level in your mouth, creating acids that can dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel. The effect on children’s teeth can leave areas vulnerable to bacteria.
Always practice gargling, rinsing, and spitting with water. Until they have mastered spitting, it is ok to use a kid-friendly mouthwash on a toothbrush to paint in around their teeth for a refreshed smile.
Using a kid-friendly mouthwash to clear out sticky or sugary breakfast residue is a great way to clean and refresh breath in the mornings before kids step onto their school bus.
5) Getting Regular Dental Checkups
You have done your part by following the above recommendations. Now let the professionals do their part!!
You should have a detailed conversation about how the above general advice can be specifically customized as a prescribed routine based on your child’s individual needs as well as your family’s health priorities and abilities.
You should schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning for your children with their pediatric dentist so that they can further.
A dental team member removes tartar and plaque buildup and monitors your child’s ongoing oral health. This is especially important for our super busy, active, and sometimes strong-willed and independence-oriented kiddos. 😊
Early detection of issues like cavities can help prevent bigger problems later.
Here’s a secret: You can bring your kid’s toothbrush and toothpaste for your dentist to check out and make sure that they are age-appropriate and effective for your child’s mouth and teeth.
Please send us any questions or share your other tips and feedback with us so that we can keep the conversation going. Dr. Rishita Jaju, Info@smilewonders.com
Bio:
Dr. Rishita Jaju is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, and founder of Smile Wonders in Reston, VA. She is a Harvard-trained mommy dentist, a TEDx speaker, author, and a published expert in pediatric laser dentistry.
Dr. Rishita’s expertise in laser dentistry and passion for infant oral health have come from her experience in providing care for thousands of infants, toddlers, and children with feeding difficulties over the last 15+ years. She is one of the few pediatric dentists in the country who has achieved Advanced Laser Proficiency Certification and Mastership Status from the Academy of Laser Dentistry as well as Breastfeeding Specialist Certification from Lactation Educational Resources.
Her service as the chief resident and visiting faculty at Children’s National Medical Center, the Council of Clinical Affairs for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and as a part of the Examination Committee of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry has given her a unique opportunity to have a positive influence on her profession. When it comes to research and publications, her work can be found in peer-reviewed journals on topics of pediatric dental care for patients with special healthcare needs, behavior guidance, esthetic dentistry, pain management, and lasers in dentistry. Her numerous live and virtual trainings to introduce the benefits of laser applications have been well received by her colleagues in general dentistry, pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech pathologists, and other allied healthcare professionals.
Each year she participates in the Give Kids a Smile initiative to provide pro bono care for children of Northern Virginia in an effort to give back to her community.
