Taking the kids trick or treating this weekend?
Halloween is a fun time of year for children – but it’s also one of the scariest for their teeth. Buckets of sweets fill the supermarket shelves, and it can be hard to find low-sugar alternatives. But before you let them binge on a cauldron full of gummy worms and chocolate eyeballs, it’s important to consider the effect it could have on their oral health.
Incidences of child tooth decay in the UK are on the rise. In fact – according to new statistics from Public Health England (PHE) – one in four children experience tooth decay by the time they reach 5 years old. And it’s now the no.1 reason for hospital admissions amongst young children.
Unfortunately, sugar is the main culprit. Here we take a closer look at why and the steps you can take to reduce your little one’s intake – both at Halloween and throughout the rest of the year.
How does sugar lead to child tooth decay?
Our mouth contains billions of bacteria – some good, some bad.
When a child (or adult!) eats sugary foods, the harmful bacterium in their mouth reacts with the sugar and produces acid as a by-product. It’s this acid that, over time, leads to tooth decay. It weakens the surface of the enamel. Dental cavities can quickly start to appear. And if left untreated, the cavities provide the perfect place for bacteria to hide and cause further damage.
Not only can this lead to unpleasant symptoms – such as toothache, sensitivity, and staining – the affected teeth may need to be completely extracted.
It’s a common misconception that children’s baby teeth aren’t that important, as they only last for a few years. But if they’re lost prematurely, it can cause lots of problems further down the line. The permanent teeth may not erupt correctly, and this can lead to a range of issues, including overcrowding, misalignment, hygiene problems and more.
How much sugar should children have?
According to government guidelines, the recommended daily sugar intake for children depends on their age. Those aged 4-6 years old should consume no more than 19g per day. Those aged 7-10 years old should have no more than 25g per day. Whilst children aged 7 years or older are limited to a maximum of 30g per day (i.e. an adult’s recommendation).
But as dentists, we’re more concerned amount the frequency of their intake.
Every time your child eats something sugary, the bacterium in their mouth attacks the sugar and produces acid which erodes their enamel. Eventually, the mouth creates enough saliva to neutralise this acid – but this process can take up to 30 minutes or more. So it’s important to limit the number of times your child has sugary treats.
Our advice? Let them eat them in one go, rather than spreading them out across the day. That way, their teeth only get one sugar hit. And you should always ensure they brush their teeth at least twice – once in the morning, once in the evening.
How can I prevent sugar-induced tooth decay?
There are three main ways to reduce the chance of your child developing tooth decay:
1. Limit the amount of sugar in their diet
First things first, try to cut down on sugary snacks – including sweets, chocolates, cakes, and biscuits – and limit these to mealtimes. Gooey and sticky sweets are particularly bad, as these stick to the teeth for longer and bacteria will continue to react with the sugar.
You should also watch out for ‘hidden’ sugars, such as those found in sugary breakfast cereals, jams, honey, fruit smoothies and dried fruit. These are often overlooked, but they can be just as damaging – and, over time, they can contribute to a child’s tooth decay.
Always check nutritional labels to help you pick foods with less added sugar. The Food Scanner app, provided by Change4Life, is a really helpful tool. This is available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Using your smartphone, it allows you to scan the barcode on food packaging and tells you exactly how much sugar it contains.
2. Ban fizzy drinks
Fizzy drinks are the largest single source of sugar for most children – but they have no place in their diet. Even those which claim to be ‘sugar-free’ are acidic and can cause enamel erosion. So it’s better to stick to tooth-friendly alternatives, such as water, low-fat milk, or diluted squash.
Unsweetened fruit juices and smoothies are healthy options that can contribute towards your child’s 5 a day. But they’re also very sugary, so be sure to limit the amount to a 150ml measure – and only ever serve them with a meal.
3. Encourage good oral hygiene habits
Make sure your child brushes their teeth, with fluoride toothpaste, at least twice daily. The most important time is just before bed. During the night, saliva production is significantly reduced, and it won’t do the important job of washing away bacteria in their mouth. Therefore, sweet treats and sugary drinks at bedtime is a huge no-no.
It’s also crucial for your child to have regular check-ups at a family dental clinic. If dental cavities are spotted early, they’re usually much easier to treat. And the dentist will be able to offer further advice on how to reduce sugar intake and prevent child tooth decay in the future.
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Worried about child cavities and tooth decay?
To avoid any dental horror stories, why not pay our specialists a visit – here at Kiln Lane? We’re regarded as a leading family dentist in St Helens, and we can offer both emergency appointments and annual membership plans for children.
Our children’s plan includes two routine dental examinations per year, as well as complimentary x-rays, orthodontic screening, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants (if clinically required) and worldwide and emergency call-out insurance. And priced at just £5.25 per month, it’s an easy and affordable way to maintain your child’s oral health.
To find out more, you’re welcome to contact us at any time. Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Child cavities and tooth decay may be prevalent in the UK at the moment – but they’re entirely preventable. And with our help and guidance, you can ensure your child never has to suffer the frightening effects.