Starting from the time they take their children to their first dentist appointment, most parents know how important it is for kids to brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly to protect against tooth decay.
But what they don't know is that cavity protection is no longer enough. Today's modern diets - even those that are seemingly healthy - can contribute to acid erosion, a growing and irreversible problem not only among adults, but for children as well.
Acid erosion is loss of tooth enamel caused by acid acting on the tooth's surface, mainly from the consumption of acid-rich food and drinks like sodas, fruit juice, ketchup, salad dressings, citrus fruits and even fruits like melons and berries. Though nine out of 10 pediatric dentists report seeing signs of acid erosion in their patients, awareness among parents remains extremely low.
"Parents should be aware of the issue of acid erosion to ensure that they take steps to minimize the risk to their children's teeth," says nationally recognized pediatric dentist and diplomat for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jessica Meeske. "The popular adage is that it's best to brush after every meal; however, children should avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest. Parents can also give their children a foundation for acid wear protection by having them brush twice daily with Sensodyne ProNamel for Children, a new over-the-counter pediatric toothpaste that can help re-harden softened enamel."
According to a recent survey conducted by Sensodyne ProNamel, most mothers - 93 percent - don't think their children are at risk for acid erosion of teeth, and almost half of moms said they are not sure if acid erosion of a child's teeth can be repaired or reversed, when, in fact, it can't. Once enamel is gone, it's gone for good.