{"id":497,"date":"2021-08-14T16:49:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-14T16:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/?p=497"},"modified":"2021-10-14T16:59:11","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T16:59:11","slug":"childrens-cavities-and-sugary-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/childrens-cavities-and-sugary-drinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Are the Drinks You’re Giving Your Child Causing Cavities?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In a recent study, researchers found that 62% of drinks marketed towards children contain large quantities of added sugar. Though the packaging for these products may make them appear to be healthy, the obscene amounts of sugar can increase your child’s risk of developing cavities. By helping your child maintain a nutritious diet and learn how to keep their teeth in good condition<\/a>, children\u2019s cavities are completely avoidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Causes Children’s Cavities to Form?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bacteria called mutans streptococcus plays a major role in cavity development. It feeds on sugar in the mouth and produces acid that wears down tooth enamel over time. If the bacteria reaches the inner layer of the tooth, the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth may be affected. Although cavities can form in people of all ages, they are more likely to occur in children who are unaware of how to properly care for their teeth. Through a clinical examination and use of an X-rays, your dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay and recommend preventive measures based on their findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinks You Shouldn\u2019t Give Your Child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s well known that sodas contain a lot of sugar, so do most fruit juices. Juices containing citrus fruit such as grapefruit, lemons, limes, and oranges also expose your child’s teeth to dangerous amount of acid. Energy drinks are especially bad when it comes to cavities. They have a high sugar content, are incredibly acidic, and offer no health advantages over sodas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Keep Cavities from Forming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though having your child brush their teeth twice and floss once each day can help prevent tooth decay, these aren’t the only means of cavity prevention. Other ways to prevent children’s cavities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n