Written By Dr Tamika Ferguson

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the theme for 2016 is “Sugar Wars”.

Most children love eating candy, drinking soda, and consuming other sugary treats. While the above listed items may taste good, they have a harmful effect on our teeth.

Everyone knows a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to healthy living. If your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health.

As parents/guardians, it’s time to wage war against the destructive forces of sugar and protect your child’s mouth. By decreasing their sugar intake you are preventing caries and the premature loss of baby teeth.

Children are faced with an abundance of food choices, from fruits/vegetables to sugar-filled convenience meals and snack foods. It’s clear that junk food and drinks have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people.

When sugar is consumed over and over in large amounts the effect on teeth can be disastrous. Tooth decay is caused by the combination of bacteria, sugar and acid. Each time bacteria come in contact with sugar in your mouth, acid is produced. This acid will attack your teeth for approximately 30 minutes. If your child snacks on sugary foods and drinks frequently throughout the day, their teeth will constantly be under attack.

Now, to avoid your child’s teeth constantly being under acidic attack choosing the right snack foods is a must. Because there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches it is recommended that you read labels carefully to assist in making food choices.

Make sure your children are snacking on healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and yogurt. Further, reduce the amount of juices and soft drinks they are allowed to have throughout the day. Soft drinks increase the risk of dental problems. Not only can the sugar cause decay but the acid in these drinks can dissolve the enamel on the teeth. Water is the most tooth-friendly beverage for your child and for you.

I know it may be difficult for most parents to get their child to put down the sugar and to consume something healthier but as their caregiver you must find a way.

From a young age children need to understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and their body in general. Incorporate fun activities that will assist in the child learning about a healthy lifestyle. For National Children’s Dental Health Month there are colouring and activity sheets that can be found online to aid parents. Type in your search engine, “Sugar Wars ncdhm”.

Listed below are a summary of tips for parents/guardians to follow while fighting the war against sugar:

1. If your child must have sugary foods and drinks they should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps to neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.

2. Reduce between-meal snacks. If children crave a snack offer them something nutritious.

3. Instead of soft drinks and juices, children should have more water.

4. Developing good brushing and flossing habits are essential.

5. Your child should also see their dentist regularly, at least twice a year.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, but it is important that parents encourage their children to take care of their teeth all year long.