HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOUR CHILDREN CONSUMING EACH DAY? Do you know? In many countries, the average can be well over 20 teaspoons per day! Sugar can be a major contributor to tooth decay. Here at our practice, we’re interested in talking about every topic that affects your children’s oral and overall health.

It’s Not JUST About Avoiding “Sweets”

Here are 5 easy ways to get a better handle on your sugar intake:

1. Read Labels

There’s added sugar lurking in places you would have never guessed. “Healthy” cereals, ketchup, chips, and even spaghetti sauces can have tons of sugar. Be sure to watch the video below to learn how to equate grams of sugar into teaspoons. Also, watch for words like dextrose, sucrose, malted barley extract, and corn syrup when reading the ingredients list.

2. Beware Of Pseudo-Healthy Traps

You may assume that you’re giving your kids healthier snacks with that energy bar, smoothie, or yogurt. That may not be true. Take a careful look at the nutritional facts and sugar content before you make such things a routine staple.

The Info In This Video Is Great

This video from the community partnership, Smile Kentucky!, is important for everyone (you moms and dads too)! Enjoy and learn!

3. Watch What Your Kids Are Drinking

Half of their sugar intake may be in the things they drink. A major offender is soda pop, but be careful of fruit juices too.

4. Find Easy Alternatives

Everyone’s tastes and lifestyles are so different, so experiment until you find YOUR OWN family’s solution. Sweet tooth(s) in the evening? It may work best to satisfy their cravings with a tiny piece of dark chocolate (eaten without guilt), and then having kids promise to brush their teeth immediately afterwards and not eat anything else before bedtime. Afternoon munchies? Cut up a bunch of easy-to-eat raw vegetables at the beginning of the week and keep them handy in the fridge for snacking. Also, drink more water! Sometimes (believe it or not) you think you’re hungry—but in reality, we’re thirsty. A tall glass of water can get you or your children past a craving.

5. Cut Back On Starches, Snack Foods And Bread

Both sugar and starch are carbohydrates. They both break down into sugars, and they both can promote tooth decay.

We hope you find these ideas helpful!

Remember that by cutting back on your children’s sugar, you can better stave off obesity, diabetes, and of course, cavities! What’s good for their bodies is good for their teeth too! Do you have any tips of your own for minimizing sugar? We’d love to hear them. Share them below in the comments section or on our Facebook page. Thank you for the trust you place in us!