A healthy oral hygiene routine should consist of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and seeing a pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ every 6 months.  As a parent, you should pass this routine on to your kids so that they can have healthy hygiene.  Even if they perfect this, however, there’s another important factor: their diet.  It’s very common for children to get cavities in their primary teeth, as well as their permanent teeth; often times it’s because they’re consuming way too much sugar.  (Related topics: family dentists in Clifton NJ)

A cavity requires 3 things to form: a tooth, bacteria, and carbohydrates (also known as sugar).  When the bacteria on your child’s teeth combines with the sugar, it turns into acid; this acid will attack tooth enamel, therefore breaking it down.  Over time, this acid will cause tooth decay, ultimately leading to cavities.  This is why pediatric dentists in West Orange, NJ recommend that you limit the amount of sugar that your child is consuming.

The problem is that many parents believe that they’re providing a healthy diet for their children, but there are many foods with hidden sugar.  This includes sauces, granola bars, packaged fruits, and breakfast cereals.  One of the worst culprits, though, are juices.  Although there are some healthy juices sold in the supermarket, the truth is that most of them are packed with sugar.  Many fruit juices are as bad for you as soda, which comes to a surprise to many people.

You should try to give your child as much water as possible, because it’s great for their health.  That being said, we know children crave flavor, so there are healthier alternatives to store-bought juice packs.  Making your own juice, for example, is a great option.  By doing so, you can limit the amount of sugar that they’re drinking.  Make sure to use fresh fruit or vegetables and don’t be afraid to try different recipes!  You may even be interested in making homemade soda; you can do so by buying carbonated mineral water and adding different flavors to it.  On cold days, you can make hot chocolate out of whole milk and pure cacao.

Kids are bound to have a little sugar in their diet, but it’s important to monitor their consumption.  If not, it could lead to cavities.  If you think your child has a cavity, make sure to visit your pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ.