07/30/2026
These are the hills that Dr. Amy will die on:
#1 - Cavities in baby teeth DO matter! Decay in baby teeth can progress quickly to the nerve and lead to pain and/or infection if not treated. Tooth pain can be debilitating and the need for more extensive treatment can be very difficult for kids.
#2 - Kids do not need juice! Even 100% juice is concentrated sugar without the fiber of whole fruit. Oral bacteria metabolize the sugars to create acid, which demineralizes enamel. Frequent sipping increases cavity risk.
#3 - Parents should be helping their kids brush and floss at night until they are 8-10 years old! We know kids want to be independent, but younger children just do not have the dexterity and fine motor skills to do it well on their own.
#4 - Frequency of snacking is just as important as what you snack on! Every snack sets off an acid attack on teeth. Saliva needs that window to neutralize the acid and repair enamel, so constant grazing never lets that recovery happen and increases the risk of cavities.
