Because the mouth and body are connected, what your child eats can determine the health of their teeth and gums. Many parents do not realize how many different types of sugar are in their children’s snacks. Sugar-rich food, when left on the teeth, can result in tooth decay and can even affect the gums and underlying bone. Opting for healthier snacks, like carrot sticks, reduced fat yogurt and cottage cheese, will reduce your child’s risk of cavities. You can also provide your child with Xylitol supplements to decrease their risk of decay. Xylitol is also found naturally in foods such as berries, corn and lettuce. Reducing your child’s snacking during meals and giving them water instead of milk or juice at snack time can also help. For more information, ask our dentist!