A national survey was done in 2008 that reported that 96% of US adults thought that a cracker was better than a piece of caramel. The truth is that food with starch can lead to cavities, just as sugar can. The reason why a piece of caramel is better than a cracker is because caramel dissolve faster in the mouth than a cracker. The longer children's teeth are exposed to food the more damage can be done to their teeth.
In another survey that was done, 13% of adults were aware that sharing utensils or letting children put their fingers in adults or caregivers' mouth allowed cavity causing bacteria to be transfer from adults to children (very similar to passing on the cold or flu). Remember children are not born with cavity causing bacteria, they are given to them by their caregivers.
Tips to protect children from tooth decay:
----Just like sugar, foods like: pretzels, pasta, bread, chips, crackers: can lead to cavities if given as a snack. These starchy food may be given during meal time when saliva production are high to wash away the starch and sugar.
-----Utensils, cups and other objects should be washed throughly prior to sharing them with children to avoid passing on cavity causing bacteria
---- Avoid giving children bottle milk, formula or juice prior to bedtime, instead allow them to drink water. Also avoid allowing children to sip sugared beverages (cola/pop) for extended periods-increase exposure to cavity causing bacteria.
---- Most bottle water do not contain fluoride. If possible look for water with fluoride to give to children. The addition of fluoride will help prevent tooth decay for children.
---- Important for children to see the dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday for advise on tooth decay prevention.