Posted: 12/18/08
Any holiday can be a challenge for parents trying to limit the amount of candy and sweets their children are eating, but Dr. Mark Helpin of Temple University's Department of Pediatric Dentistry says, "It's not how much we eat but how often we eat these kinds of things that will place us at increased risk of dental decay and cavities."Tooth decay and cavities are often caused by acids created by bacteria during eating. Eating regular meals is less problematic since more saliva is being produced and liquids are often consumed which help wash away the acids and bacteria. And meals are only typically eaten three times per day.
Contrast this to eating small snacks throughout the day. Instead of being bathed in acids three times per day, they might be continuously exposed. Dr. Helpin says to worry less about eating sweets over a short period as opposed to eating small amounts long term.
Either way, ensure your children brush their teeth or at least rinse the mouth with water after eating snacks, especially sweet ones. Other measures to ensure dental health include routine checkups. If cost is a factor, an affordable health insurance family plan can help reduce the price of dentist visits.
Related Links
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_71061.html
