be HAPPY &
Dr. Carroll is realistic about food. She has even admitted publicly that she loves chocolate – pediatric dentists are human too. The goal is not to create a household where children never eat sugar. The goal is to understand which habits actually increase cavity risk and make practical changes.
What actually affects cavity risk
1
How often matters
How often teeth are exposed to sugars and fermentable carbohydrates matters. Frequent sipping or grazing can create repeated acid attacks on the teeth even when the total amount consumed does not seem large.
2
Water between meals
Water is usually the best drink between meals. Juice, sweetened beverages, sports drinks, flavored milks, and frequent carbohydrate snacks can increase cavity risk depending on how often and how long the teeth are exposed.
3
Habits that work together
Brushing with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, flossing when teeth touch, regular preventive visits, fluoride when indicated, and sealants can all work together with nutrition to lower risk.
Dr. Carroll’s advice is individualized. A family dealing with sensory feeding limitations, developmental needs, medications, or a very restricted diet may need a different strategy than a family whose child simply snacks all afternoon.
Reviewed by Shari Carroll, DMD, MPH - Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Contact
1611 S. Catalina Avenue | Suite 100 Redondo Beach | CA 90277 | Phone: (310) 357-4414
There is FREE parking in our underground parking garage accessible off of Catalina Avenue.
Existing patients: Please use Dr. Carroll’s established after-hours contact instructions for urgent questions outside normal office hours.
