I was loading my washer with my kids’ clothes on one of the last days of school and felt a wrapper in a pocket. One wrapper discovery led to another and another and soon I had a little pile of school party candy detritus in front of the washing machine. I try to limit candy as much as I can to holidays and birthday parties, but I hadn’t prepared for the candy hording and stashing that was occurring in my children’s pockets as summer approached. As a pediatric dentist and a mom of four kids, I realized I am definitely not alone with feeling frustrated over my inability to truly regulate the amount of sugar my kids consume.
A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry highlighted caregivers’ knowledge of sugar and control over sugar consumption in kids. The article showed that caregivers, including parents, grandparents and sitters, who have greater knowledge of sugar also had a greater INTENTION to control sugar consumption in kids and a greater actual CONTROL over their child’s sweet snacks. This just shows that the more you know about sugar, the more intention you will have to limit a child’s sugar consumption and the more successful you will be at actually limiting sugar consumption.
Why is sugar consumption a problem in kids?
Dental caries (also known as cavities) are the most common chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S. Sugar consumption plays a critical role in causing cavities. Cavity-causing bacteria feast on sugar in your child’s mouth and create acid. The acid eats away enamel and leads to chalky areas, weak spots and holes in the teeth that can progress to painful abscesses if left untreated.
What are some hidden sources of sugar in a child’s diet?
The sources of sugar in my childrens’ pockets were obvious – a Sugar Daddy wrapper, Smartie cellophane and Laffy Taffy pieces. But there are many surreptitious sugar sources, too! Read the label on your child’s gummy vitamins. Many have a sugar ending in “ose” like “sucrose” or “glucose” as their primary ingredient. Check out how many grams of sugar are in a serving size of a squeezable pouch of applesauce. Many major brands have at least 40% more sugar in the squeezable pouches compared to the same serving size of the actual whole fruit.
Educate the WHOLE FAMILY about limiting sugar intake
Grandparents are amazing and are greatly appreciated in my family for everything they do to help out with my kids. But it is important that everyone involved in a child’s food and snack choices understands the role of sugar in causing dental cavities. Sugars that are sticky and stay around on a tooth for a while like suckers and gummies can cause a tremendous amount of dental decay. Sometimes family members can unintentionally increase a child’s risk of dental decay by choosing sugary snacks and giving the child the sugary snacks too often.
With both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending limiting excess sugar consumption in children, you can feel confident in your choice to help reduce your child’s risk of dental cavities. By learning more about the sugar your child has access to and educating family members as well, you can give your child the best chance at a lifetime of oral health.
– by Dr. Mandy Ashley DMD, MsEd, MS
About the Author: Dr. Mandy Ashley DMD, MsEd, MS is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of SKY Pediatric Dentistry. SKY Pediatric Dentistry HAS MOVED and is now located at our BRAND NEW OFFICE at 234 Natchez Trace in Bowling Green. With over 20 years experience as a dentist, Dr. Ashley and her team provide modern, fun dental care for all children as well as adults with special needs. You can visit the website www.skypediatricdentistry.com check us out on Facebook, email info@skypediatricdentistry.com or call 270-715-5437 for more information on the practice and to schedule an appointment.
