How to protect your child's teeth: UAE dentists on sugar, fluoride toothpastes and brushing
A tooth cavity was on the same level as failing math, at least in my childhood. And considering that I spent fifteen years of my life at the dentist chair, yes, I was that child who was blessed with braces twice, once in fourth grade and then again in seventh grade, and then finally retainers that I kept losing, a little too often. Some days, that chair felt like an exam my fellow sufferers and I…
A cavity can be as serious as failing math, according to pediatric dentist Dr. Yasmin Kottait. She compares the dentist's chair to an exam room, where children face stern reminders about regular check-ups and proper flossing. While brushing twice a day is important, it's not the only factor in maintaining good dental health. Regular dental check-ups can help catch early signs of decay before they become painful problems.
Dr. Kottait explains that when children eat or drink sugary or starchy items, mouth bacteria turn them into acid, which attacks the enamel. The teeth need time to recover between snacks, so grazing all day prevents the enamel from healing. Dr. Sneha Agarwal, a Specialist Pediatric Dentist, agrees that it's not just about eliminating treats but being mindful of how often teeth are exposed to sugar. The clock, not the cookie jar, is what matters most.
According to Dr. Prakriti Mahindra, a holistic dentist, it's not the amount of sugar that's the biggest culprit, but how often children eat. Every time a child consumes sugary foods or drinks, bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If teeth are constantly exposed to these acids without enough time for saliva to neutralize them, cavities can develop. Therefore, frequent snacking can be just as damaging as the actual sugar content.
Some seemingly healthy snacks may not be as tooth-friendly as they seem. Dr. Kottait warns against raisins, dried fruit, fruit pouches, juices, cornflakes, flavoured laban, yogurts, probiotic drinks, milks, crackers, and even gummy vitamins. She suggests opting for fresh whole fruits, vegetables, cheese, plain yogurt, milk, and water instead.
Finally, bedtime habits can also impact dental health. Dr. Kottait emphasizes the importance of discussing the whole day's habits with parents, not just the main meals. Even a simple routine like having ice cream every night can lead to multiple cavities.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
