How To Protect Your Teeth from Sugar Bugs?

You may have heard your dentist warning your kids about the sugar bugs and how they attach their teeth and cause cavities.

This is another name for cavities that can occur for several reasons, especially in kids, such as excessive intake of sugar candies, soda intake, and eating some fruits and vegetables that have natural sugar. 

Read: 5 Best Home Remedies To Cure Tooth Cavities

This blog will share how to prevent sugar bugs on teeth, the practical measures parents must take, and much more.

Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is the perfect destination to meet all your children’s oral care needs. Moreover, located in different central locations, we have outstanding services with a team of experts and professionals. 

Read: Expert Tips For Preventing Cavities And Healthy Teeth

Overview

They are basically the nickname commonly used for the bacteria that reside in the mouth and grow due to the sugar.

It creates small areas of sticky plaque on the teeth, forming a cavity.

The bacteria feed on sugary and starchy food, allowing them to change into enamel-eating acid. 

If you have tighter spaces in your mouth, the chances are higher that they will sneak in there and attach harder to the teeth.

So, one of the best ways to avoid cavities is to brush and floss the teeth after every meal. 

How Do They Form?

Sugar bugs feed on sugary and processed food, including rice and bread. First, they start growing depending on the food intake; then, they form a sticky film known as plague.

If the plaque is removed in time, there are chances that you can prevent them from developing into cavities. 

If you leave the teeth with plaque and tartar, they will not only damage your teeth but will also cause cavities that are difficult to treat.

Mostly, these nasty bacteria take a toll on kids ‘ teeth as they tend to prefer sugary foods and don’t brush their teeth often. 

Read: 7 Home Remedies to Treat Cavities in Baby’s Teeth Naturally

6 Best Ways to Prevent Sugar Bugs On Your Kids’ Teeth

Keeping the kids’ teeth from cavities is very important to improve the life of their natural teeth.

In addition, it is needed to protect their small, beautiful smiles. Here, we share a list of several ways that can help parents get rid of sugar bugs in their kids’ teeth.

Follow these tips and consider a significant change in your kid’s oral health. 

1: Avoid sugary foods

The first and foremost way to prevent sugar is to limit the use of sugary and starchy products.

Of Course, it is easier said than done, But parents must watch what their kids consume daily.

Less exposure to such items can prevent them at an early stage and can help them avoid cavities in the later stages of their life. 

2: Look for healthy alternatives

Keeping your kid away from their favorite sugary items can be challenging, So the best way is to look for healthy alternatives and then take this step. It will also help them maintain their cravings.

For instance, you can add meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and other healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables to your daily routine. 

3: Brushing and flossing habit

Daily brushing and flossing is a fantastic habit that kids must learn from an early age. Only parents can tell their kids to floss and brush their teeth daily by performing these habits.

Try to make it a fun activity to brush and floss their teeth twice a day, especially before going to bed.

In addition, join them to add to their fun and help them learn more about how to take care of teeth. 

4: Drink plenty of water

Water is a great blessing in oral health as it helps in rinsing the food residues from the teeth immediately after having a meal.

In addition, water is always a preference for dental and overall body health in the form of juices. Ensure your kids have enough daily water intake according to their age. 

5: Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is the practice that most dentists perform using scaling tools. It includes cleaning the teeth in depth to prevent cavities.

Pediatric dentists recommend getting the first deep cleaning at the age of 2 years, along with regular dental visits. 

6: Regular pediatric dentist visits

An excellent pediatric dentist checks your kids’ oral health and makes you aware of cavities and other complications.

You must take your kids for oral appointments to check on their cavities and prevent cavities in the early stages of their life. 

Conclusion

To sum up, excessive sugar harms kids’ oral and overall health. Adapting them to a sugar-free routine is impossible, but parents can gradually become aware of them.

So, ensure your kid’s sugar consumption is low, and they follow the necessary measures such as brushing and flossing.

Additionally, visit pediatric dentists to prevent cavities and sugar bugs on baby teeth. 

FAQs

Are sugar bugs harmful?

Not all the bacteria in the human mouth are harmful, but some can live in the plaque and cause cavities. Such bacteria are known as sugar bugs.

These bacteria live on starchy and sugary food and produce acids that damage the teeth, enamel, and gums.

They are harmful as they develop cavities and cause permanent stains and marks on teeth.

Why do babies get sugar bugs?

Most kids get them from sugary foods. Kids are usually fond of candies and beverages that cause plaque and cavities.

Uncontrolled sugar intake can be very harmful to the kid’s oral health. So, the parents must be very mindful of their sugar intake. 

 How to get rid of sugar bugs?

It is necessary to check your sugar intake to get rid of them. Get used to brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. Visit the dentists regularly for updates on your teeth and overall oral health.