Is a caramel or a cracker a better snack for your young child?
Trick question? Yup, because both promote decay.
Believe it or not though starches such as pretzels and crackers and pasta can dissolve more slowly than a caramel and are not good as snacks. Save these starches for meals when there is more saliva to wash everything away.
A 2008 survey by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry revealed that 96% of adults with children under 12 years thought a cracker would be a better choice.
Better snacks would include fruit, nuts, cheese and perhaps chocolate milk which kids love and washes away quickly. And there is nothing wrong with plain water between meals instead of slowly sipped juices.
by Pam Everson, DDS
info@pameversondds.com
Terrific insight!