As the saying goes, “everything in moderation.” This philosophy most certainly applies to a child’s diet, and not just because of their risk for childhood obesity. Sweet, sugar-laden foods are the primary cause of tooth decay in youngsters, according to the Oahu pediatric dental care experts of Pedodontic Associates Inc., and it's in a parent’s best interest to limit these goodies in a child’s diet.

Be sure to moderate your child’s intake of these five cavity-causing foods:

1. Soda: Highly acidic in content, soda is best avoided for multiple reasons. Nothing erodes the tooth’s enamel as quickly as soda.
2. Juice: While healthier than soda, juice that contains a great deal of sugar is still harmful to teeth, and is best limited.
3. Pasta: Although more nutritious than candy, pasta is high in carbohydrates, which breaks down into simple sugars.
4. Hard Candies: Hard, sucking candies are one of the worst things for a child to indulge in. Not only are they filled with sugar, but the fact that they linger in the mouth as they dissolve is a major cause of acidic breakdown of enamel in the teeth.
5. Sticky Candies: Gummy worms and other sticky candies are also treats to be enjoyed in moderation, as the food particles easily become stuck between the teeth. As these bits of food dissolve, bacteria feed on them and create harmful plaque.

When you give your child any one of these treats, be sure to encourage him or her to brush their teeth after consuming them. This practice is an excellent way to destroy any build-up of bacteria in the teeth, thus preventing tooth decay. To learn more helpful dietary tips from the Oahu pediatric dentists of Pedodontic Associates Inc., visit the dental practice online or call (808) 487-7933 to schedule an appointment today.