Sipping, snacking and tooth decay Published Feb. 14, 2013 By Capt. (Dr.) Amber Miller 377th Dental Squadron KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It's clear that "junk" foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. Now more than ever, children are faced with a plethora of food choices - most of which are sugar-laden/processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health. Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities that contribute to the tendency of tooth decay include "grazing" habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. When sugar is consumed repeatedly in large, often hidden amounts, it can have rather harmful effects on teeth. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria. The acidic byproduct produced by the bacteria will destroy the outer enamel layer of teeth. Almost all foods contain some sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients that are essential for overall health. There is a risk for tooth decay when consuming a diet high in sugar and starches. Read labels and plan carefully balanced, nutritious meals for you and your children. Ways to reduce children's risk of tooth decay: - Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals, rather than separately. Saliva production increases during meals and helps to neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth. - Limit snacks between meals. - If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can increase salivary flow and help remove food and debris from around teeth. - Monitor beverage consumption - encourage water and low-fat milk instead of soft drinks. - Schedule regular dental visits.