Good nutrition is essential for the physical and mental development of people, at any age. That is why our body, including our teeth, is the faithful reflection of what we eat. From childhood, it is important to be careful of certain foods that, consumed in large quantities or in short periods of time, can have a negative impact on oral health. It is not only about sweets, but about ultra-processed foods such as cookies, juices or cereals that we eat almost daily.
There is a common perception around certain processed foods, such as sliced bread or flavored yogurts, that they are healthier than eating a few ounces of chocolate from time to time. However, these foods present in your child's meals contain an excess of sugar that will end up affecting their milk teeth.
Diets rich in refined sugars favor the appearance of cavities in temporary teeth. This is because the microbes that inhabit the oral cavity take advantage of this ingredient to make acids that are harmful to the enamel. Usually, "children consume more sugar at breakfast, mid-morning and snacks, and it is at those meals that it is most urgent to implement changes," says Dr. Víctor Cambra, director of Cambra Clinic Nens. The World Health Organization also recommends avoiding sugar consumption until two years of age and restricting it as much as possible from then on.
On the other hand, sugars, if correct dental cleaning is not practiced, will remain in the oral cavity and serve as grass for the spread of bacterial plaque. The acid produced by these microorganisms destroys the pH and the mineral structure of milk teeth and, consequently, ends up forming cavities.
Pediatric dentists recommend following a series of guidelines to prevent the appearance of cavities and other oral conditions. First, it is crucial that children adopt healthier eating habits as an alternative to eating processed foods. Muesli or oatmeal, whole wheat bread or natural yoghurts are excellent substitutes for cereals, sliced bread or flavored yoghurts that should only be consumed occasionally. In addition, natural sugars, such as fruit or dairy, will provide children with the amount of glucose they need and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Regarding hygiene, the teeth should be brushed from the eruption of the first temporary tooth, with a paste that contains a minimum of 1000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride and the use of dental floss, always under the supervision of a adult. According to Doctor Cambra, a good daily oral hygiene routine reduces the chances of having cavities and, therefore, the need to carry out treatments that require more time and are expensive.
