sugar

Halloween and Thanksgiving have both come and gone.  We consume a lot of sugary food during this time, and with various winter holidays around the corner, that's not likely to ebb anytime soon.

However, we all know that eating so much bad food is unhealthy for us.  For kids particularly, consumption of sugary treats increase the risk for cavities.  So in the spirit of a healthy season, here are some suggestions to keep your kid smiling all year round:

• Enjoy physical festive activities.  Not all family events require food.  Visiting Santa in his workshop, taking a walk around the block, and going to your house of worship are all ways to keep moving during the holidays.
• Substitute fruits over processed sugar.  Fruits have natural sugars that don't damage your child's teeth the way processed sugar does.  Offer berries, apples, and other fruit when your kid wants something sweet.
• Set reasonable limits.  It's okay to want a piece of pie, just keep the portions reasonable and don't follow it up with cake and candy canes too.
• Buy your kids gifts that require them to be active.  Sports equipment, bicycle gear, and all things that are meant to be enjoyed outdoors help your kids run around after the holiday feasts are over.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

We all know that it's best to reduce your child's sugar intake for a variety of health reasons. It's not only a matter of the body staying physically fit. Reducing a child's sugar intake is one of the best ways you can preserve a kid's general dental health.

Sugar leads to tooth decay.  Tooth decay is the leading cause of damage to children's teeth.  A National Oral Health Survey states that 42 percent of all children aged 5–10 have tooth decay in their baby teeth, a quarter of which is untreated.  When tooth decay affects a child's permanent teeth, you're looking at lifelong dental issues.

Sugar, though, is a tempting treat for children and adults alike.  Even reducing your child's intake can help immensely offset its risks.  Keep your child's sugar intake to small portions and not at every meal.  Substitute processed sugary foods with fruit, whose natural sugars do not affect a child's teeth in the same way.  Juice and other sugary drinks such as soda, should not be consumed more than 4-6 ounces a day.  

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

As parents, we all know that sugar isn't good for our kids' health.  Dentists always tell us to reduce our children's sugar intake.  But why is that?  Here's a quick breakdown on how sugar affects your teeth.

Tooth decay isn't actually caused by sugar, it is just acerbated by it.  When we eat sugar, it coats our teeth and bacteria clings to it.  Saliva has a hard time washing away the bacteria because the sugar acts as an adhesive.  As the bacteria clings to our teeth, it produces an acid which slowly erodes the tooth.  The longer the bacteria clings to our tooth, the more it decays.

Reducing your sugar intake, brushing your teeth, and flossing can all help stop this harmful process in your mouth.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you manage all your children's dental needs.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522 if you have any questions.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!

With the holidays fast approaching, kids and adults will be tempted with many sugary treats. Here is a tip from your pediatric dentist to help reduce the sugar exposure to your children’s teeth:

Try to minimizing snacking on sugar treats. Constant or frequent snacking doesn’t give your mouth a chance to naturally rinse the sugar (and acid byproducts from bacteria) off the teeth.

So eat that candy bar or finish that piece of cake, but then put the treats away for another day.  And don't forget to go brush your teeth!

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we care about your children's dental health.  Give us a call if you have questions about your children's eating habits.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!