You knew dentists hate sugar. But did you know that citrus fruits can be an enemy as well? Orange juice and other fruit juices are acidic and have low pH at the same time. This can contribute to enamel erosion and shrinking teeth. Robeyn Lowen, a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, points out that younger teeth are softer, making them “more susceptible to acid.”

It’s important to bring children to the dentist, for various reasons. Ensuring adequate oral health in childhood is not only good for the child’s development, but it also sets up good habits for later in life. Here are several things you should know about bringing kids to the dentist.

Why do Children Need to Visit the Dentist?

It’s a fair question — if their first set of teeth are going to pop out in a few years anyway, what’s the point of treating a cavity? The answer is multifaceted.

• As anyone who’s had a bad cavity knows, they frequently hurt after a while. Treating your child’s cavity helps eliminate an incredibly painful experience that could prevent them from eating properly.
• An untreated cavity can result in an oral abscess infection. This infection can become sore, inflamed, and potentially dangerous, especially if it spreads to other parts of the body. At this point your child will likely require emergency dental care, which is both invasive and costly.
• When teeth need to be removed early owing to caries infection, it eliminates a clear path for the underlying teeth to follow as they come in. This can lead to crooked teeth.

What You Should Know About Cosmetic Dental Options for Straighter Teeth

• Having a good smile matters for the future — individuals with straight teeth are 45% more likely to get a job than those who have crooked teeth.
• When teeth are crooked, they are often harder to clean, opening the door to future infections and oral issues.
• If there is an issue with jaw alignment (underbite or overbite), treating the issue can eliminate the problems that are often associated with these conditions such as teeth grinding and prematurely worn down teeth.
• Most dental plans will cover a portion of the cost of braces.

What if You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

• Ask your dentist if there are options for working out a long-term financing plan so that you don’t need to pay for everything all at once.
• Many universities with dental students will offer free or low-priced services. Though a student will work on your child, all work is double-checked by an experienced professional.
• Check to see if there are any new dental insurance plans that would work for your budget.

Do you have dental insurance? Let us know about your experiences with kids and the dentist in the comments. To see more, read this. More info like this. Read more blogs like this.