Exterminating Sugar Bugs

Exterminating Sugar Bugs

Has your child ever asked you if there are “sugar bugs” in their food? If they have, chances are they have recently been given a lesson on plaque. “Sugar bugs” are a popular teaching tool used by dentists to help children learn about the dangers of plaque. Children are easily confused by discussions of “invisible films of food particles and bacteria that latch on their teeth,” but they are certainly aware of bugs and that they don’t want them in their mouths.

The image of “sugar bugs” eating away at their teeth isn’t far from the truth. Deposits of sugar and carbohydrates mix with the bacteria in the mouth to produce a thin layer of film called plaque on the teeth. If that plaque is not cleaned away by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, it interacts with further sugar and carbohydrates, creating acids that cause holes in the teeth—cavities. That allows more acids to weaken the tooth from the inside. Weak teeth cause pain and run the risk of literally breaking apart.

So use this fear of sugar bugs to your advantage in helping your children take care of their teeth.

• Eating healthily will stop the sugar bugs from getting into their mouths.
• Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day will keep those sugar bugs away from their teeth.
• Coming in to KiDDS Dental twice a year will get rid of whatever sugar bugs they may miss.

When children grow up and learn the truth about what’s going on in their mouths, they might find the idea of sugar bugs a little silly, but their healthy gums and bright smiles will justify the fairy tale.

Give us a call at (509)-891-7070 to schedule an appointment today!