Summer means lots of free time for children, and, therefore, more opportunities to consume snacks and drinks that are detrimental to dental health. The experts at Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI have provided outstanding dental care to area residents for over 25 years, and they stress the importance of knowing which foods and beverages are the biggest oral health offenders and why. 

Check out the dental team’s top picks concerning the worst summer treats for kids' teeth:

• Sports Drinks: It may be tempting to send children off to play with sports drinks, but they're are actually one of the most harmful beverages for teeth, with higher amounts of enamel-eroding acids than soda. Give children water instead of sports drinks and other sugary beverages this summer.
• Crackers: Rather than allowing children to snack on crackers, stick to healthier options such as celery and carrot sticks. Crackers are frequently made with refined carbohydrates, which convert to sugar quickly when consumed. The resulting sugar combines with mouth bacteria to form destructive acids.
• Potato Chips: Potato chips may be a summer barbecue staple, but make certain kids don’t overindulge. Chips and other starchy foods are also carbohydrates, which again work with mouth bacteria to form acids that cause tooth decay.
• Chewy Candy: While allowing children to enjoy sweet treats every once in a while is fine, try to limit visits to the grocery store candy aisle this summer. Chewy candies are easily among the worst sweets anyone can eat, as they stick to teeth, allowing resulting acids to have a proverbial field day.

Keep children healthy when they're off from school by always providing water and nutritional snacking options. Ensuring they brush and floss correctly is also essential, as is scheduling regular checkups with the best children’s dentist in Honolulu.

Learn about services available at this premier pediatric dentist by contacting Pedodontic Associates at (808) 487-7933 or by visiting the website.