A healthy diet is crucial for kids. When kids are overweight, they run the risk of acquiring serious diseases. Ensuring kids get access to nutritionally-balanced meals will also help protect them from tooth decay. Too much sugar can trigger acid attacks on the tooth enamel. This will weaken the teeth and may also cause cavities to develop.

Helping Kids Avoid Too Much Sugar

Tooth decay can be triggered by frequent snacking throughout the day. Other contributing factors are soda and fruit juices.

These drinks and food items usually have high carbohydrate and sugar content. When consumed too often, they leave sugar residue in the mouth. Make sure to limit your child’s snacking or better yet, replace their usual sweet treats with healthier options.

Fruits, such as apples, contain high water content. They can help encourage saliva flow in the mouth to help during the remineralization process of the tooth enamel. Cheese cubes are also helpful as they’re rich in calcium which helps strengthen the tooth.

There’s nothing wrong giving your little ones sweets for them to enjoy once in a while. However, train them to always drink water afterwards. Practicing good oral care habits will ensure they’ll get to enjoy a healthy smile for the long term.

Remember, though, that nothing, not even saying goodbye to sugary treats, can replace regular brushing and flossing.  But remind your child to wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing their teeth. After eating, the teeth are at their weakest. They’ll become more vulnerable to damage if they are scrubbed immediately.

How Do You Know Which Foods Should Be Avoided?

It’s important to make it a habit to check the labels. Added sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose are among those you need to take note of.  Manufacturers list these ingredients on the label to advise consumers beforehand. If you see these added sugar varieties, it’s best to look for another alternative.

If you can’t find a replacement, try to limit your little one’s snacking. Ask them to drink water instead of a sugary drink.

Note, though, that even healthy fruits, such as lychees and mangoes can be as high in sugar as oranges. However, they also contain more vitamins and minerals than commercially available fruits juices so it pays to still include them on your child’s diet.

Which Food Should You Recommend to Your Little Ones

As there are fruits with high sugar content, there are also those with low sugar levels in them that are delicious, too. Some examples are avocados, cranberries, and strawberries. Consider them for your child’s snacks.

If you’re worried about what they’re eating in school, make it a habit to pack their food for them. This way, they’ll get to enjoy healthier options even if you’re not around.

Once kids become more aware about the dangers of too much sugar intake on their oral health, they’ll also get better in taking care of their oral health.

Do you have any techniques in encouraging kids to lower sugar intake? Share it here. If you would like to have your little one’s mouth checked too, let us know.