Easy Ways to Reduce Sugar for Better Oral Health

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, “sugar is the most popular ingredient added to food in the U.S.” While sugar might taste great, it is not good for anyone's teeth! Sugar feeds on the bacteria inside your child’s mouth, which then produces enamel-attacking acids, and causes tooth decay. 

Aside from regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, it is important to limit the amount of sugar your children eat to help prevent tooth decay. Paying attention to the foods your children consume and keeping their teeth in mind when choosing drinks and snacks can make a big difference in their dental and overall health. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to reduce sugar in your child’s diet.

Read Nutrition Labels for Added Sugar -  These days, sugar is added and hidden in almost all the regular foods we buy. While many foods have naturally occurring sugar, there are even more products that have added sugar. New food labels are currently being rolled out with a line for added sugar amounts, which is a great line to pay attention to if you are looking to make healthier choices. Try to aim for less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day for children 2 years of age and older. 

Limit Juice - While fruit juice is a healthier option than soda, many juices contain a whopping amount of added sugar in addition to natural sugars. If you are serving juice, dilute it with water to reduce the amount of sugar. The American Dental Association suggests that water and milk are the best drink options for little ones and should be offered before juice.

Consistently Offer Fresh Fruits & Vegetables - Experts say that children may need to be exposed to a new food 10 to 15 times before they’ll eat it, so frequently offer your child fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks. Experiment with different preparations—oven-roasted vs. raw carrots, for example.

Don’t Use Sweets as Rewards - Many parents, teachers, and grandparents use candy, cookies, and other sweets as bribes or incentives to encourage children to do tasks. It is better to use non-food-related rewards such as a hug or high-five. Do something together to celebrate like take a trip to their favorite park or let them be the one to pick the movie for family movie night!

Set a Good Example - Help your children develop good dental habits by being a good role model. From brushing and flossing to making food choices, children will often mimic what they see. Find fun ways such as meal planning to involve the whole family in building healthy habits for a healthy mouth and body.

If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, reach out to schedule a visit to our family dentistry. We provide a variety of dental services to those in the Laredo, TX community. Dr. Dominic Vallone, DDS MS has an incredible amount of industry experience and is dedicated to his patients. Call today!