The Impact of Sugar on Children’s Teeth

People often believe that dental decay is only caused by sugar. However, in reality, cavities are caused by bacteria and not sugar. Sugar is the favorite food of bacteria in the mouth, just as it is for many people. Acid is produced by bacteria when they ingest sugar or another food. This acid leads to tooth decay.

It is due to this process that both adults and children may suffer from cavities caused by sugar. When tooth decay gets serious, the damaged tooth may have to be extracted by a dentist.

Reduce Sugar Intake

The American Dental Association promotes healthy eating based on America’s Food Guide to prevent tooth decay. The official guidance advises reducing sugar consumption and adhering to the serving sizes shown on food labels.

Sugar, like everything else, is generally not harmful to your child’s health when consumed in moderation. You don’t have to stop eating it entirely unless your doctor advises you to. Instead, you may gradually reduce your child’s consumption. When you limit your child’s sugar intake, they will not only have a better smile, but they will also have a reduced chance of diabetes and heart disease.

Some Healthy Alternatives to Sugar

Starting a new eating journey may be daunting. To alleviate your concerns and demonstrate how simple it is to reduce your kid’s sugar consumption, we’ve prepared a list of tasty, nutritious, low-sugar snacks that your children will like!

• Pretzels
• Parmesan fries
• Sweet potato chips
• Celery and cream cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Popcorn
• Zucchini chips
• String cheese

Ways to Prevent Sugar Mediated Tooth Decay

The following methods may help you keep your child’s teeth healthy by preventing sugar-related dental decay. Some will assist you in reducing the quantity of sugar they consume, while others will decrease the harm sugar causes:

• Avoiding sticking sweets: Sticky carbs cling to the teeth, increasing the likelihood of bacteria generating acid. Stop eating the foods that adhere to the teeth,  

• Substitute sugar with Other Options: Replace sweet foods with those containing healthy sugar substitutes. Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol may improve oral health.

• Less Usage of Snacks: Regularly eating sugary foods may increase the risk of gum disease. Consume sugar only during mealtimes.

• Do not offer sugar before bed: Putting your kid to bed with a drink or food exposes their oral cavity to sugar all night.

• Minimize carbohydrate snacks: Many snacks and chips include a lot of sugar. They also readily adhere to teeth.

Now you are equipped with all the relevant information related to the impact of sugar on children’s teeth. Now it is your turn to take some practical steps to save your children from the harms of sugar.

Resources:

Mouth Guards and Protecting Children's Teeth

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. It is highly recommended that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.