Prepackaged snacks are convenient for busy parents, accommodating their child's action-packed schedules. However, many current and popular options can result in a trip to the pediatric dentist for a cavity filling. Find out what treats can impact your little one's oral health below to help them maintain a bright, healthy smile. 

What Types of Foods Can Lead to Cavities? 

1. Starchy Snacks

Snacks like crackers, potato chips, and cookies are refined carbohydrates and don't break down easily with chewing. They get soft and sticky instead, easily getting lodged between teeth. As they break down into simple sugars, they feed the bacteria in the mouth, allowing the microbes to attack tooth enamel.

Substitute starchy snacks with dairy-based ones to limit consumption. While these foods can't always be avoided, mitigating their effects is possible. Having your child swish their mouth with water within 30 minutes of the meal will help them remove any lingering food.

2. Sugary Drinks

Most parents know that soda is a leading cause of cavities. However, other beverages can cause this common dental issue as well. 

Although fruit and sports drinks appear to supplement a healthy breakfast or rehydrate a player after practice, these options contain plenty of sugar. Replacing these items with water will not only protect your little one's teeth, but it will also keep them properly hydrated. 

3. Fruit Cups

A fruit cup can seem like a healthy addition to your child's lunch box. Unfortunately, it's commonly canned with syrup containing plenty of sugar that coats the teeth. It feeds bacteria in the mouth that damage the enamel, encouraging cavity development. When shopping for this product, look for one with no added sugar. Better yet, offer your child naturally sweet fresh fruit instead. 

Along with limiting the consumption of these foods, you can maintain your child's oral health by regularly visiting Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska, LLC in Onalaska, WI. Established in 2002, the warm and welcoming staff at this practice make trips to the pediatric dentist easy for even the most nervous young patient. From teeth cleanings to filling, they'll use specialized equipment and advanced techniques to deliver the highest level of care. Learn more about their cavity treatments online, and call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an appointment with this pediatric dentist.