When your child consumes many starches and sugars, the acids begin to wear down tooth enamel. It starts with unhealthy foods, such as cookies, candy, sodas and fruit juices, that can leave deposits on the teeth. These deposits can bond with the bacteria in the mouth to form plaque, which work together to cause tooth decay. Tooth decay can negatively impact the quality of your child’s life as it can lead to infection, pain and eventual tooth loss. It can also affect how your child feels about themselves, which could affect them both educationally and socially.

Although tooth decay affects millions of children every year, it’s a preventable disease. To help your children avoid this, be sure they’re following proper brushing and flossing techniques. Also, make sure you’re providing them with a healthy diet, that limits their sugary and starch consumption.