Cebu City – Oral health plays a huge role in your children’s growth and development. As we all know, tooth decay is caused by bacteria that damage the tooth’s surface or tooth enamel, which might be painful for children or might lead them to lose their appetite. What really happens when our children have tooth decay?

As we celebrate National Dental Health Month this February, the National Nutrition Council Region VII reminds the public to take care of their teeth. This year’s celebration which carries the theme “Ngiting Protektado, Ngiting Panalo” aims to strengthen awareness and reiterate the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Billions of bacteria in our mouths also eat the food that we eat. When these bacteria come in contact with sugar, they eat it and produce acids to dissolve and damage the teeth and weaken the tooth enamel.

Tooth decay is very painful and sometimes will lead to periodontal diseases which increases the risk for heart disease. Children with tooth decay might only choose certain foods that they want to eat or avoid eating food at all. This will lead them to not get the proper nutrition that is beneficial for their growth and development.

You need to know what to look out for: soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sugar-based juices and drinks, and sugary candies. These foods are high in acid and sugar content. Your enamel is the line of defense against acids and every time you eat sugar-filled food, you're essentially inviting cavities and sensitivity into your mouth.

Teaching kids at an early age that these foods and drinks are to be avoided or consumed less. Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth every day. For more nutrition information, visit the National Nutrition Council 7 Facebook page and the NNC VII website./ ND II Franz Cassandra R. Ontina, RND