Written by Editorial Team
Our TVs frequently boom with “daant sad jayenge”, “kya aapke toothepaste me namak hain” depicting mums shouting at kids to refrain from eating chocolates and other sweets. Kids are highly prone to developing cavities and other dental problems due to their diet, which is high in sugar! So is it only the chocolates that cause cavities or there are more hidden culprits? Read below to know more about cavities and the foodstuffs behind cavities in children.
Cavities or dental caries are small hollows in the teeth and may appear black, brown or grey-ish. These can be easily visible and cause pain to the person. The enamel of the teeth is eroded by certain acids which are produced from sugary or starchy substances. Certain food particles tend to lodge themselves within the teeth gaps. These remnants form bacteria which in turn forms plaque (a sticky whitish film of bacteria formed on the teeth) and this is the basis for forming the cavities.
The foods high in sweet and starch harm the enamel of the teeth. The longer these substances remain in the mouth, the greater the chances of developing cavities.
We have all heard this warning from infancy till adulthood to limit chocolate consumption as it will decay the teeth. And we are aware that sweet foodstuffs harm teeth. So we go on and restrict the intake of every child’s fantasy food – chocolates. But surprisingly, chocolates may actually act as a cavity-fighting item. Research conducted at the Osaka University in Japan has found that the parts of cocoa bean, from which chocolate is made, has anti-bacterial properties, thereby fighting against bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Some dentists even suggest having chocolate milk instead! Hurray!
Below is a list of top 10 foods that cause cavities in children:
Encouraging oral hygiene, early in life goes a long way to safeguard your child from dental problems. Infact, a dental regime should be practised right from infancy. The key is to free the mouth from food particles as quickly as possible. It’s not practical to brush the teeth after each meal or snack, so why not make your kid gargle with a mouthwash instead? Brushing twice, once in the morning and once before going to bed should be established as a routine. Make sure to use toothpaste which has fluoride in it to prevent cavities.
Other Ways To Avoid Cavities Are:
Yes, it is true that nature is abundant with certain foods that fight the build up of plaque and help in keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Some great foods that fight tooth decay and dental cavities are:
A simple trick: You can get special children’s toothpaste or tubes with animal/cartoon shape to lure your kid into brushing and make it fun for him!
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