Candies play a huge part in our childhood. As children, we often received candies as birthday treats or as a reward for a job well done.
A lot of us have carried over the tradition, and although we know that sugar-packed candies offer zero nutritional value, we too often succumb to our young ones’ pleas for sweet treats.
SEE ALSO: Much Ado About Chocolates
According to the American Dental Association, hard candies like lollipops and mints put your child’s teeth at risk because besides being full of sugar, they can also potentially trigger a dental emergency such as a chipped or broken tooth.
Hard candies seem harmless, eat too many & the constant exposure to sugar can harm your teeth! #foodtip pic.twitter.com/tUkRiUQGQS
— ADA (@AmerDentalAssn) May 2, 2017
Our Specialist Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Imneet Madan explains why candy is not solely to blame and that other factors contribute towards your child’s tooth decay.
Is candy the main cause of cavities?
What causes tooth decay?
Does time play a big role towards tooth decay?
Are any other factors involved?
A huge percentage of cavities in children happen in between the teeth followed by decay growing on the top surfaces of the teeth which means flossing should be part of your child’s daily oral hygiene routine.
These facts highly signify why candies should not be taken as the sole enemy of kids’ teeth. The important factors are the time of consumption, frequency of consumption, type of carbohydrate and oral hygiene care routine. Regular or periodic dental exams help in revealing any incipient decay which can be then stabilized rather than filled.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Specialist Pediatric Dentists at Dr. Michael’s Children’s Dental Center in Dubai. We’d love to help!
Dr. Imneet Madan
Specialist Pediatric Dentist
MSC Lasers Dentistry (Germany)
MDS Pediatric Dentistry
MBA (Hospital Management)
Children’s Dental Center, Dubai
