Gummy vitamins, gummy teeth?

Gummy vitamins, gummy teeth?
A growing number of kids between the ages of 2 and 5 are getting cavities, Mary Ann Fergus in today's Chicago Tribune.
But while it's easy to blame bottled water--which generally doesn't contain fluoride--we shouldn't let gummy vitamins off the hook.
These sugary, gooey candy look-alikes can add up to increased cavities, pediatric dentist Mary Hayes of Resident bacteria on our teeth eat the sugars in the gummy vitamins. When they're done feasting, they excrete acid on the teeth, leading to decay and cavities. "Gummy-type vitamins are more likely to sit on or between the teeth longer where the bacteria can thrive," said Hayes, a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association. "It only takes about 20 minutes for bacteria to start excreting acids."

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Once again, instead of placing the blame squarely on parents -- where it indeed should rest -- any other possible "cause" is being held responsible. Use some common sense, and BRUSH the child's teeth!! Teach them good brushing habits -- after snacks and every meal, and, when they are older, flossing -- which is just as important to overall good oral hygeine. One or two gummy vitamins a day (my son gets one, as he eats a fairly diverse, fresh variety of foods) won't cause cavities. Not brushing, and loading up on products with high fructose corn syrup (it's in everything, folks -- even your BREAD!!) are more likely culprits. Posted by: Tracy Sep 25, 2007