Ten Ways to Help Prevent Sugar Acid & Cavities in Children

The Top Ten Ways to Beat Sugar Acid, According to Captain Aquafresh

1. Don’t drink soda.

Pop, soda pop—whatever the folks want to call it—has a low pH, which makes it more acidic. It also has a lot of sugar. Because it is both acid and sugary-sweet, these beverages can unfortunately cause cavities in children.¹

 

2. But let’s be honest…

Most of you aren’t going to follow #1. But if you consume soft drinks, do it sparingly and use a straw to limit tooth exposure. And when you use a straw, position it towards the back of your mouth versus the front.² This way, your teeth will be less exposed to the acids from sugary drinks like soda.²

 

3. Drink water!

To help rinse your teeth of sugar acid, drink water (preferably fluoridated) after consuming foods and drinks with high sugar levels.^3,7

 

4. Limit sugary snacks between meals.

Frequently reaching for sugary snacks can increase your cravings for them, which means more exposure time to sugar acids for your teeth.⁴

 

5. You’re not gonna believe this one…

Chewing gum. Sugarless, of course. It helps increase saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids.⁵ Though that doesn’t mean you should ditch brushing and flossing for a piece of gum.⁵ Don’t be that person!

 

6. Avoid sugary snacks before bedtime.

Avoid sugary snacks before bedtime.⁶ Saliva flows when you sleep, which allows the sugar to sit in your mouth overnight, coating your teeth for hours, and exposing your teeth to sugar acid for an extended amount of time.⁶

 

7. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride.

Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help clear sugar acids from your mouth.⁷ Fluoride is a safe and effective ingredient that’s a superhero in itself, for children over the age of 6, unless recommended by a dentist.⁷ It helps repair teeth that may have been damaged by acids.

 

8. Make sure you wait at least 1 hour after a meal to brush your teeth.

Eating foods containing sugar acids can weaken the enamel.⁸ To protect your teeth, holding off on brushing for at least an hour will give your saliva a chance to wash away acids and your enamel enough time to re-harden.⁸

 

9. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes or more. Floss at least once.

This is what the American Dental Association recommends,⁶ and flossing and brushing are important for removing plaque. Be sure to brush for two minutes each time, and it’s recommended to brush in the morning and before you go to bed. Floss (or use an interdental cleaner) anytime as long as you do it at least once a day.

 

10. Visit your dentist and dental hygienist!

They’re good people! Regular dental visits are necessary for maintaining oral health and can help identify, treat and prevent kids' cavities.