Is Pandemic Snacking Causing Cavities?

When the pandemic started, our world was faced with fear and uncertainty. It makes sense that a lot of things would change, including our eating routines and what we eat. With a lot of kids doing school from home, snacking has increased. Does this mean more cavities?

Why Snacking Causes Cavities

How is snacking linked to tooth decay? When you eat, the starches and carbs in your food interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This produces acid, which gradually erodes the enamel of your teeth. Bacteria live in plaque, so if you have a lot of plaque build-up on your teeth, you’re more likely to get tooth decay. While kids are still learning how to brush and floss properly, they can be at a higher risk for cavities. This is why teaching your kids good oral hygiene and taking them to the dentist are both so important.

Snacking in the Pandemic

In recent years, consumers have started buying healthier snacks when they can. When the pandemic hit, however, sales of foods like salty snacks and breakfast cereal went up. People also started buying more chocolate for snacks like s’mores! Increased snacking of any food, healthy or not, impacts oral health, but the risk of tooth decay can increase with sugar-heavy foods. Our snacking schedule has changed, too. In response to higher levels of stress and being stuck at home more, both kids and adults are grazing more throughout the day. Our teeth aren’t getting a break!

Pandemic Dental Care at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry

Dental health is still important, even during a pandemic. You can combat the effects of snacking by committing to solid oral hygiene routines at home and keeping up with cleanings at our Kerrville office. If it has been a while since we’ve seen your child, please make them an appointment when you can. Preventive care is the best way to avoid more serious issues down the road. Contact us with any questions about treatments, cost, and more!

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Image by Speedy McVroom from Pixabay

Categorised in: Cavity Prevention, Kids Dental Care, Preventive Dental Care