A child holding rice or food in the mouth for an hour is a worry for many parents. Besides slow eating, this habit also affects a child's teeth.
- Starchy and sugary food held in the mouth for a long time keeps teeth under acid attack and makes decay more likely.
- Common causes include unfamiliar textures, playing or watching screens while eating, or toothache.
- Keep mealtimes to a set time, turn off screens, never scold or force feed and have your child rinse after meals.
- Holding food with refusing to eat, weight loss, cavities or swollen gums means it is time for a check.
Many children keep rice or food in their mouth for tens of minutes after eating, sometimes for an hour, refusing to chew or swallow. Parents usually worry about nutrition, but few think of the effect on the teeth: food lying in the mouth for a long time keeps the teeth in contact with sugar and starch.
Why does holding food harm teeth?
Rice, porridge, biscuits and sweet fruit all contain starch or sugar. Bacteria in the mouth turn them into acid that wears away enamel. The longer the food stays, the longer teeth are under acid attack, and the more likely decay becomes, especially on the chewing surfaces and between teeth. See also whether decayed baby teeth need a filling.
Why do children hold food?
- They are not used to new, hard or chewy textures.
- They feel full, are playing while eating or are being pushed to eat a lot.
- Watching screens during meals makes them forget to chew and swallow.
- Toothache, decay or sore gums make chewing hurt.
How can parents help?
- Keep mealtimes to a set time and do not let a meal drag on beyond 30 to 40 minutes.
- Turn off screens and eat together as a family so your child focuses on chewing and swallowing.
- Prepare food that is soft enough, cut into small pieces and gradually increase the texture.
- Do not scold or force feed, since the more tense the child is, the longer food is held.
- After meals, have your child rinse with clean water and brush, and help until the child can brush clean alone.
If your child holds rice while falling asleep, see whether night time bottle feeding causes decay in children.
When should you bring your child for a check?
Bring your child in if holding food comes with refusing to eat, weight loss, crying when chewing, cavities in the teeth or swollen gums. If the habit is persistent, also talk with a paediatrician to check nutrition and development.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Parents can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, to have the child's teeth checked.
Frequently asked questions
Does holding rice in the mouth make children prone to decay?
Yes. Starchy and sugary food staying in the mouth keeps teeth under acid attack for longer, which leads to decay.
Should I scold or force my child to swallow?
No. The more you push, the more tense and the longer the child holds food. Create a relaxed mealtime and limit the time of the meal.
Should my child rinse after meals?
Yes. Rinse with clean water and brush, and help young children so the teeth are cleaned well.