How much added sugar is too much?
Sweet tips for limiting sugar
From Grandma’s famous cookies to a favorite candy bar, enjoying an occasional treat is part of a well-rounded childhood. But it’s still important to pay attention to what your kids are eating, because the oral health risks of sugar aren’t so sweet!
49% of parents say eating too many sweets prevents their child’s oral health from being as good as it could be. And they’re right — sugar from candies, desserts, juices, and sodas can:
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Contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
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Lower daily energy and make bad moods more likely.
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Make it more difficult to focus or pay attention in school.
For added sugar, general health guidelines recommend:
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Men consume no more than 36 grams daily
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Women consume no more than 25 grams daily
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Children consume no more than 25 grams daily
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Children under two consume no added sugar
The focus is on added sugar because that is commonly found in processed foods with low nutritional value, while naturally occurring sugars are found in foods that are healthy for you, like fresh fruits or in milk.
Send sugar to its room (it’s grounded!)
Try the tips below to reduce your child’s sugar intake and to teach them healthy daily habits.
Limit desserts and treats
Kids love a candy bowl — but when they can grab a treat whenever they want, they’re more likely to have sugar on their teeth. The sugar causes mouth bacteria to multiply, making plaque and tooth decay more likely.
You can avoid this by limiting treats to certain times of day. Then, you can make sure they wash the sugar down with water and that they don’t overindulge.
Keep sugar-free gum handy
This smile-friendly alternative keeps your kids from eating sugar, but it also stimulates saliva production to wash down food or sugary drinks that might stick on your child’s teeth.
Watch out for sweetened beverages
Juices, sodas, and sports drinks are usually loaded with added sugar and can quickly send your kid well over the recommended daily limit. Swap them for water to quickly and simply reduce your child’s sugar consumption! Water also washes down any food or sugar that has stuck to their teeth.
Practice daily oral health
You can also reduce their cavity risk by making sure they keep up a daily oral health routine:
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Brush twice per day for two minutes each time.
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Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Floss once daily.
Read food labels
As a parent, one way to do your part is by checking food labels to make sure you aren’t accidentally feeding them more sugar than you intended — you’ll be surprised how many foods contain added sugar and how quickly both parents and kids can go over the limit!
Sweet smiles don’t need sugar
Reducing your child’s sugar consumption is an easy way to also lower their risk for cavities. Also, you’ll establish healthy habits that can keep their smile strong for years to come!