
Tooth Decay in Children
All Kids Are at Risk
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children’s oral health, today emphasized that the frequency and duration of oral exposure to foods and drinks with large amounts of sugar should be given the same consideration as diet itself when it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities in children.
"Most parents know that they need to watch what their kids eat and make them brush regularly. Unfortunately, many are not aware that letting kids sip on sugary drinks for hours or putting them to bed with a bottle of milk can be just as harmful," says Dr. Howard Hawk for the AAPD. "These habits can expose teeth to sugar for extended periods of time, increasing the risk of tooth decay."
While fluoridation and improved oral hygiene have resulted in fewer cavities overall among Americans in recent years, cavities in young children are on the rise. Kids should finish sugary foods and drinks right away, without lingering. Healthy eating and drinking not only plays an integral role in overall health, it can have a profound impact on oral hygiene.