As a parent, you want the best for your children’s health and well-being; That’s why you choose organic, nutritious, and supposedly ‘healthy’ food options for them; However, what if I told you that some of those options might be secretly loaded with sugar, which can harm your children’s teeth and overall health?
High sugar containing food
It’s not just about the obvious sources of sugar, such as sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks; It’s also about the subtle sources of sugar, such as fruit juices, dried fruit, cereal bars, and yogurt-coated snacks.
These products often claim to be ‘natural’, ‘no added sugar’, or ‘healthy’, but in reality, they can contain more sugar than you think.
For example, some apple juices have more sugar than Coca-Cola, and some yogurt-coated fruit pieces have twice as much sugar as Haribo sweets!
Why is sugar bad for teeth?
When bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid, it can erode the enamel (protective layer) of teeth and lead to cavities (holes).
Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, as their teeth are still developing and their brushing skills may be limited.
Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and even affect a child’s growth and learning.
So, what can you do to limit your children’s sugar intake and protect their teeth?
Firstly, establish healthy eating habits early on, ideally before the age of five when children’s taste preferences and habits are formed.
Offer a variety of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy, and avoid or limit processed and packaged foods that often contain added sugar, salt, and fat.
Secondly, try to have sugary foods and drinks only at mealtimes, rather than as snacks throughout the day; This reduces the frequency and duration of acid attacks on teeth and allows more time for saliva to neutralize the acid. Encourage your children to drink water or milk instead of juice or fizzy drinks.
Thirdly, consider changing your children’s drinking habits from sippy cups and bottles to cups with straws.
Sippy cups and bottles can prolong exposure of teeth and gums to sugary or acidic liquids, while straws can bypass the front teeth and direct the liquid towards the back of the mouth.
Fourthly, use technology to your advantage; There are free apps that allow you to scan product labels and check their sugar content per 100 grams or per portion; They also provide tips and recipes for healthier eating.
Finally, don’t be fooled by food marketing claims; Phrases like ‘natural’, ‘no added sugar’, or ‘low-fat’ don’t necessarily mean the product is healthy or low in sugar.
Many ‘healthy’ products use alternative sweeteners, such as fructose, date syrup, agave, or honey, which can be just as harmful to teeth and metabolism as refined sugar; Always check the ingredient list and the nutrition facts.
Remember, your children are sweet enough without added sugar; Let’s work together to keep their teeth and health in top shape.
