In our daily life, it is common to see some children smiling with "little black teeth", which makes people feel distressed. Parents often immediately associate their child's excessive sugar intake as the main cause of tooth decay. However, the latest research suggests that sugar is not entirely to blame for children's mouths of "little black teeth". In fact, some of the nutritious foods that we think are good for children's growth and development on a daily basis may be the source of the problem. This discovery has undoubtedly turned our conventional wisdom on its head and prompted us to re-examine our children's eating habits. In this article, we will reveal these three nutritious foods,How they affect children's oral health and provide scientific and effective preventive measures to help parents build a healthier diet for their children. Let's uncover the truth behind this together and protect the sweet smiles of children.
Tooth decay, medically known as tooth decay, is one of the common oral health problems in children. It results from bacteria in the mouth metabolizing food residues, especially sugars, to produce acids that gradually destroy the enamel on the surface of the teeth, forming cavities. For a long time, we have considered sugary foods to be a major cause of tooth decay. However, the formation of tooth decay is a multifactorial process that is not solely related to sugar intakeIt is also related to the individual's oral hygiene habits, saliva composition and flow, genetic factors, and other components of the diet.
The culprit of accidental tooth decay - three nutritious foods
In in-depth research and practice, we have found that in addition to high-sugar foods,There are also three foods that seem to be nutritious and beneficial for children's growth and development, but can actually be a potential threat to tooth decay.
Fruit juice: Although fruit juice is rich in vitamins and is a healthy drink that many parents like to give to their children, the fructose and acids in fruit juice can also promote the growth of bacteria in the mouthAccelerates the erosion of enamel on the tooth surface. It is advisable to replace fruit juice with whole fruit to reduce the risk of tooth decay and provide more dietary fiber.
Dried fruits: Dried fruits such as raisins and dried apricots are high in sugar and have a viscous texture, which easily attaches to teeth and provides rich "food" for oral bacteria. Dried fruit residue that remains on the teeth for a long time increases the production of acidsThis increases the risk of tooth decay. It is recommended to drink water or brush teeth immediately after your child has eaten dried fruit.
Whole milk and dairy products: Whole milk and some dairy products, despite being excellent in calcium** and essential for bone and tooth development, can become food for oral bacteria** when you go to bed without washing, exacerbating tooth erosion. Therefore, it is advisable to brush your teeth before bedtime, or at least rinse your mouth with water, to reduce the effects of milk residue on your teeth.
Although tooth decay is a common oral problem in children, it can be avoided through scientific preventive measures and good oral hygiene habits. Here are a few practical tips for parents and children to maintain and improve their oral health.
1.Selected nutrition, smart diet
Balance sugar intake: Reduce frequent intake of high-sugar foods and beverages, especially before bedtime, to reduce oral bacteria"Food"Supply.
Whole fruit alternative to fruit juice:Encourage your child to eat whole fruit instead of fruit juice to get more dietary fiber and reduce direct exposure to sugar and acids.
Moderate dried fruits and dairy products: choose low-sugar or sugar-free dried fruits, and clean your mouth in time after eating; Avoid whole milk and dairy products before bedtime, or brush your teeth immediately afterward.
2.Establish good oral hygiene habits
Brush your teeth regularly: Teach your child to brush their teeth in the morning and evening from an early age, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their dental resistance.
Correct brushing technique: Instruct your child on proper brushing techniques, including the angle of the toothbrush, the order of brushing, and the duration of brushing for at least 2 minutes each time.
Floss regularly:Encourage your child to start flossing at about 6 years of age to remove food debris and bacteria from between their teeth.
3.Regular oral check-ups
Establish a habit of regular check-ups: Take your child for an oral health check-up every six months to a year to detect and deal with tooth decay and other oral problems in a timely manner.
Professional nutrition and oral hygiene guidance: Take advantage of regular check-ups to get personalized advice from a professional doctor on diet and oral hygiene.
4.Enhance awareness of oral protection
Educational awareness: Enhance children's awareness of the importance of oral hygiene through parent-child activities and oral health education.
Role model: Parents should be role models for their childrenDemonstrate good eating habits and oral hygiene.