Effects of consuming sweets on children's teeth is an important issue that many parents do not take seriously; While these seemingly harmless foods can cause serious oral and dental problems at a young age. Children naturally have a greater desire for sweet taste, and this makes sweets, chocolates, candies, cakes and sugary foods become a constant part of their diet. But the combination of high sugar, low saliva and incomplete brushing methods in children can create an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and damage to teeth. If you get to know the side effects of these foods, you will undoubtedly take better care of your child's dental health.

The most important complications of sweets on children's teeth

1. tooth decay; The main complication of eating sweets on children's teeth

according to Dr. Mandana Hejazi the best pediatric dental specialist in Zafaranieh; The first and most common side effect of consuming sweets on children's teeth is decay.

The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and after consuming sweets, acid is produced. This acid destroys the tooth enamel and eventually causes decay and cavities.

The reasons why children suffer from caries more:

• improper or hasty brushing
• frequent consumption of sweet foods instead of healthy snacks
• less secretion of saliva at bedtime (especially if the child eats sweets before bed)
• milk teeth that enamel They are thinner

It should be noted that caries in the early stages are painless and this makes parents notice it late; But this simple decay can lead to more serious treatments such as denervation of milk teeth.

2. infection and abscess; One of the most serious side effects of eating sweets on children's teeth

When untreated decay progresses, it reaches the deeper layers of the tooth and causes infection or abscess.

This condition is very painful for children and may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• severe pain at night
• cheek swelling
• fever
• bad breath
• and difficulty eating

Note: Oral infection can even spread to the surrounding tissues if left untreated. Many of these infections are the direct result of excessive consumption of sweets and improper oral care.

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3. Deformation or malformation of permanent teeth

Perhaps less parents know that the effects of sweets on children's teeth affect even teeth that have not yet grown.

You are probably asking how? In response, we must say that the infection of milk teeth or their severe decay can:

• affect the healthy growth of permanent teeth.
• cause permanent tooth color to change in the future.
• cause teeth to be crooked or abnormal.

Therefore, taking care of milk teeth is not only for the current appearance of the child; Rather, it is vital to maintain the health of permanent teeth.

4. Tooth sensitivity is one of the side effects of consuming sweets in children.

Frequent consumption of sweets causes gradual thinning of tooth enamel.

With tooth enamel thinning:

• Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold foods.
• The child feels pain when eating.
• In some cases, even air causes tooth irritation. (This sensitivity not only bothers the child but also indicates a deeper problem in tooth enamel.)

5. Creating bad breath

Sugar is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The more sweets are consumed, the more bacteria are activated, which causes bad breath.

If this problem continues, it may affect the child's self-confidence.

6. The effect of sweets on children's teeth before sleep

If we want to talk about the most dangerous time to consume sweets, it is undoubtedly before sleep.

For the following reasons:

• Saliva flow decreases during sleep.
• Bacteria feed on the remaining sugar all night long.
• The acidic conditions of the mouth increase.
• Therefore, it is important that the child does not consume any sweet food before going to sleep.

7. The effect of using sticky sweets on children's teeth (more dangerous products)

All sweets are not the same. Some of them are very sticky and stay on the teeth for a longer time:

• Toffee
• Sour candy
• Soft chocolates
• Industrial snacks
• Sweet biscuits
• Sticky cake toppings

These types of foods multiply the risk of decay due to their long-lasting presence on the teeth.

Ways to prevent Side effects of eating sweets on children's teeth

1. Limiting the consumption of sweets (not completely eliminating them)

Completely eliminating sweets is unrealistic and usually has the opposite effect.

But limiting it to fixed and controlled servings is the best solution.

2. Teaching children to brush their teeth correctly

Using a small toothbrush, age-appropriate toothpaste and brushing for at least two minutes plays an important role.

3. Brushing teeth after consuming sweets

If the child eats sweet food, he must brush his teeth 5 to 10 minutes later.

4. Increasing water consumption

Water cleans the mouth and reduces the acid produced by bacteria.

5. Fluoride therapy in children's dental office

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents caries.

6. Fissure sealing of children's teeth

a specialized and very effective method for children who have a high risk of caries.

7. Introducing healthy snacks instead of sweets

Some alternatives are:

• Fresh fruits
• Low-sugar yogurt
• Nuts
• Homemade snacks without sugar

These foods are both healthy and control the child's appetite for sugar.

When should you visit a pediatric dentist?

If any of the following As seen below, it will be necessary to see a pediatric dentist quickly:

• Pain while eating
• Sensitivity to cold and hot foods
• Bad breath
• Change in tooth color
• White or brown spots on the teeth
• Gum swelling
• Crying at night due to toothache
• These symptoms usually mean the beginning of decay.

Conclusion

The consequences of consuming sweets on children's teeth are much wider than simple caries. Frequent consumption of sticky and sugary sweets can cause decay, infection, sensitivity, deformity of permanent teeth and even nutritional problems. However, by controlling the consumption of sweets, oral hygiene education, regular visits to the dentist and using prevention methods such as fluoride therapy and fissure sealant, these problems can be largely avoided.