Parents, beware! For the amount of sweets your little ones have gobbled up during the summer holidays might have you worried about their pearly whites - but it's not just the obvious culprits which wreak havoc on their dental health. Fear not, though, as Dr. Minoo Ghamari from Gorgeous Smiles is on hand to give grown-ups some much-needed advice on where their kids might be slipping up.
"For many, the focus on diet and oral health is important to establish, to reduce health risks," the dental expert began. "Boys are reportedly more likely to suffer bad oral health during childhood compared to girls, with 48% of boys reporting instances of plaque versus 37% of girls from past studies. This dataset also reported boys experienced more cases of gingivitis (early stage gum disease), periodonits (a serious gum disease).
" Dr. Ghamari continued by stressing the importance of starting early to prevent the development of oral health problems. This can set children up for a lifetime of good habits and healthy teeth.
He then went on to list several food groups to watch out for, explaining how each one - some more surprising than others - can negatively impact kids' dental health. Citrus fruits "Citrus fruits, while high in vitamin C, also have a high acidity level which can lead to enamel breakdown if consumed frequently," warns Dr. Ghamari.
"This weakening of tooth enamel can contribute to tooth decay if not addressed. While citrus fruits do offer other health benefits, they should be ea.