Modern dental caries etiology believes that food is a major contributor to caries, and that caries do not occur without food. Human and animal experiments have also confirmed that there is a very close relationship between the consumption of carbohydrates and tooth decay.

"Sugar" does not refer only to sweets, but is a collective term for a class of substances called "carbohydrates", which is the main contributor to tooth decay.

Many common foods contain carbohydrates, including bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, potato chips, hamburgers, cola, jelly, rice, noodles, and more.

In addition to carbohydrates, two other factors contribute to tooth decay: cariogenic bacteria and time. Together with the complex morphology of the tooth itself, the combined effect of these four factors leads to tooth decay.

So if we take precautions against these four things, the chances of children suffering from tooth decay will be significantly reduced.

Suggestions are as follows:

1. Limit food consumption

Foods for infants are mostly soft and viscous with high sugar content and easily ferment and produce acid. These include cakes, candies, chocolate, etc. Limiting total intake can reduce tooth decay to a certain extent.

2. Limit frequency

Carbohydrates in snacks easily remain on the teeth, and children's deciduous teeth have larger gaps than adult teeth, making them more difficult to clean. This can easily lead to tooth decay. Therefore, it is best to feed children at fixed times only, so as to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that remain on the teeth.

3. Pay attention to oral hygiene

The most effective, easy, and economical way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth. Parents and children can brush their teeth together twice a day in the morning and evening. Brushing is the best way to remove dental plaque. Rinse your mouth with water half an hour after a meal if you can't brush your teeth so as to reduce the amount of food residue. In addition, eating more fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber can help clean the surfaces of teeth.

4. See the dentist regularly

Parents can take their children to see the dentist every six months, and regularly take measures to prevent tooth decay such as using dental fluoride and pit and fissure sealing.