According to the Academy of General Dentistry, an increase in sugar intake may lead school children to a high risk of cavities.

In the past 15 months, researchers have studied dietary habits of preschoolers and have monitored their teeth, and the study showed that cavity-free children dropped from 23 to 19 percent.

Our dentists in University Place recommend that parents can help their children prevent decay and cavities by monitoring their dietary habits. Instead of giving them snacks, they can have apples, carrots and other snack alternatives—something that are naturally sweet.

And more importantly, children should brush and floss at least twice a day to prevent decay and cavities.

If your children’s school lunch program doesn’t offer healthy alternatives, make sure to talk to the school about incorporating healthy lunches or snacks.

Finally, children may need sealants as another way to prevent decay and cavities. Sealant is a thin coating of bonding material applied on a tooth, and it acts as a barrier to decay and cavities.

Talk to your dentist in University Place at Light Dental Studios of University Place to learn more about dental sealants.