Children & Caffeine Consumption

It turns out that soda consumption among children has been decreasing with every passing year, which is great new! However, even while kids are drinking less soda, their caffeine intake is increasing. In fact, up to 75% of American children consume some form of caffeine every single day. This disturbing statistic is thanks to the increased popularity of energy drinks as well as increased coffee consumption among kids. 

Why Caffeine is Bad for Kids 

We all know that caffeine is bad for children, but do you really know the reasons why? Below are some things you should know about caffeine before allowing your children to consume beverages that contain it: 

• Caffeinated drinks are usually quite acidic – Most of the drinks that contain caffeine are also very acidic. Soda, coffee, energy drinks, these beverages all contain high amounts of acid. Tooth enamel is strong, but if exposed to a steady stream of acid, it may begin to break down. This can cause a number of dental problems including tooth decay and dental cavities.
• Caffeine is highly addictive – Caffeine is considered one of the most addictive substances there is. The more caffeine you ingest, the more your body will crave. This is why it’s important to help your child avoid ever starting a caffeine routine; because it may be tough to break in the future.
• Caffeine robs the body of calcium – Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases the amount of urine in the body. When more urine is produced, the body loses calcium. Because of this, caffeine has been shown to quite literally steal calcium from your child’s bones and teeth.  

The best way to prevent your child from consuming caffeine is by not having caffeinated beverages in your home. Not only will this improve your child’s overall health, but their dental and oral health as well. 

If you live in the Dover, New Hampshire area and would like to make a dental appointment for your child, please contact Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry today. We are passionate about your child’s oral health!