Tooth enamel is the most important line of defense for your child’s teeth. They primarily use enamel to eat because the enamel is strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing. Unfortunately, erosion can weaken and expose their teeth to decay and other problems. So besides brushing and flossing regularly, how can you protect your child’s tooth enamel? We’ll outline what you can do to protect your child’s enamel and prevent a large number of oral health problems.
1. Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks
Bacteria feed off the sugar in your teeth, causing plaque and cavities. Limit the number of sugary foods and drinks your child consumes. It’s important to also remember that not all sugary foods are obvious. Bread, rice, and other starchy foods convert to simple sugars that can damage the teeth. It’s also a good idea to check the back of the package for the nutrition content. And as a reminder, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice, all of which are notoriously high in sugar.
2. Add Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium is a dental super mineral because it can neutralize the most damaging acids and remineralize the enamel to protect the teeth. Try incorporating at least one dairy product into each of your child’s meals to increase their calcium intake. If your little one cannot consume dairy, try giving them other calcium enriched foods and drinks, such as almond milk, canned fish, kale, or almonds.
3. Limit Citrus
Food and drinks with high levels of citric acid erode tooth enamel through a process called demineralization. In severe cases of demineralization, the acid can even damage the dentin, a soft layer of tooth beneath the enamel. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. Heres a tip: when consuming foods with high citric acidity (like lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), rinse their mouth with water for 30 seconds afterward to remove the lingering acid.
Visit Our Office
Visit our pediatric dentist’s office in Newport Beach, so we can evaluate your child’s overall oral health. At Hersch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we will assess your child’s tooth enamel as part of our regular checkups and treat it as needed. It’s our goal to help give you and your child the knowledge necessary to keep a healthy, lifelong smile. Give us a call today!
