Tips from a Family Dentist on Helping Your Kids Avoid Sugar

Talk to a family dentist, and they will tell you sugar is one of the most damaging things a child's teeth can be exposed to. Sugar is an acidic substance with a sticky constituency that clings on to teeth and eats away at the enamel. Sugar also serves as a food source for oral bacteria who eat it and convert it into acids that damage teeth.

Damaged teeth enamel leads to the formation of cavities. These are small holes that develop on teeth surfaces, and they continuously expand until they are treated or lead to the tooth becoming infected.

A family dentist explains how to lower your child's sugar intake

Most children love their sugary treats and snacks, so getting them to consume less sugar can be quite tricky. Here are some simple ways parents can reduce the quantity of sugar their children consume regularly:

1. Eliminate sugary drinks

Sugar is infused into most drinks available today, so parents should limit how much soda, sports drinks and fruit juices their children drink. Sugary drinks are especially bad for teeth if the child has the bad habit of sipping on such drinks for most of the day. Parents should encourage their children to drink more beverages that are low in sugar like water or milk.

2. Serve more fruits and vegetables

Fruits contain natural sugars, but that is nothing compared to processed sugars. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, and they make children feel full for longer. As a result, a child that consumes a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is less likely to snack on sugary treats between meals. As a result, the child's teeth have a lower risk of developing tooth decay.

3. Eat more unprocessed foods

Unprocessed foods are healthier for children, and it is easier to keep track of how much sugar a child is consuming regularly. Processed foods often have added sugar even when they do not seem like they do. These sugars are just as damaging to a child's teeth.

4. Cook more meals

One of the best ways to ensure all members of a family are not consuming excessive amounts of sugar is by cooking more. That way, parents are in charge of the ingredients that go into their child's meals. It makes it a lot easier to regulate how much sugar the child is consuming. Restaurants and fast-food chains often add sugar and salt to their foods to improve their taste.

5. Pre-plan snacks

An easy way to ensure kids do not overindulge in sugar consumption when snacking is by making their snacks in advance. Fruits, nuts, trail mixes and veggies like carrots and celery are great for snacking. Parents should make snack packs based on healthy foods they know their children love.

Limiting sugar leads to healthier teeth

Helping your child to limit their intake of sugar will lead to better dental health throughout their lives. Call or visit our Troy clinic to learn more about keeping your child's teeth healthy.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.

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