Your child dentist keeps mentioning diet. Sugar is not the only culprit — and it is not just about sweets. Here is the real picture of what drives cavities in children and what to focus on instead.

Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and drink, producing acid as a waste product. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, slowly dissolving it until a cavity forms.

It is not just about how much sugar your child consumes — it is about how often. Every time they eat or drink something sugary, their teeth come under acid attack for about 30 to 60 minutes. Frequent snacking means more attacks and less time for teeth to recover.

You probably already limit sweets and biscuits. But many everyday foods and drinks contain surprising amounts of sugar. Fruit juices, smoothies, flavoured yoghurts, cereals, and even savoury items like pasta sauces and baked beans can be high in sugar.

Sports drinks, fizzy pops, and energy drinks are particularly harmful to children teeth — even the sugar-free versions are acidic and can erode enamel. Water and milk are the safest options for between meals.

Sticky foods like dried fruit, fruit bars, and chewy sweets cling to the teeth for a long time. The longer sugar stays in contact with tooth enamel, the more damage it does.

If your child has these foods, try to limit them to mealtimes when there is more saliva production to help wash the sugar away. Brushing teeth afterwards also helps — but not immediately after acidic foods, as the enamel is softened and brushing can cause damage.

Fill your child diet with tooth-friendly foods: cheese, raw vegetables, plain yoghurt, nuts, and wholemeal bread. These foods either contain beneficial minerals, require chewing that stimulates saliva, or do not feed the harmful bacteria.

Encourage water as the main drink throughout the day. Save sugary treats for specific occasions rather than as everyday snacks, and always brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Changing habits is never easy — especially with children. Start small: swap one sugary drink a day for water, or replace a daily biscuit with a piece of cheese. Gradual changes are more sustainable than dramatic ones.

Get the whole family involved. Children are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits when they see their parents doing the same.

If you are unsure about whether your child diet is affecting their teeth, ask your dentist at the next check-up. They can give specific advice tailored to your child needs and highlight any areas to address.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice