Gallery of Smiles / Gallery of Little Smiles

Sugars come in many forms…parents beware!

When we think about tooth decay and cavities, the first thing that comes to mind is: CANDY. But did you know that many other foods can contribute to cavities?

Sugars are simply carbohydrates. Bacteria in our mouth feed use sugars to produce acid (which is what actually causes the decay). But think about it….if sugars are carbs, then other forms of carbs may also cause tooth decay…..think: Goldfish, Ritz Crackers, chips, breads….yikes!

So parents, if your kid “doesn’t like sweets” and still develops cavities, look to the “other” snacks as the culprits. And don’t forget, cavities often cannot be “seen” until they are very large. So be sure to bring your kids in for regular dental check-ups so that we can avoid tooth decay!