National Children's Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Did you know about 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated decayed tooth? Parents can support their children’s dental health with daily brushing and by limiting foods and drinks high in sugar. Sugar has a direct connection to tooth decay. When we consume sugary foods and drinks for a long period of time, the molecules mix with the bacteria in our mouths and create acids that attack the tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens should consume less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar a day. Unfortunately, the typical American child consumes about three times the recommended amount. This is concerning because a diet high in added sugar throughout childhood puts children at risk for tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Many of the foods we eat contain naturally occurring sugar. The above recommendations refer to added sugars which are any sugars or caloric sweeteners added to the food or drink. These sugars can be found with many different names like high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, honey, and sugar molecules ending in “ose” like dextrose and sucrose.

Here are 5 tips to help you limit sugar in your family’s diet:
  • Reduce table sugar. Try cutting the amount of sugar you add to food and drinks by half.
  • Limit sugar-sweetened beverages. Offer children water, low-fat milk, or 100% fruit juice instead.
  • Add fruit. Add bananas, strawberries, or dried fruit to cereal or oatmeal instead of sugar.
  • Read food labels. Choose products with lower amounts of added sugar.
  • Reduce sugar in baking. When baking cookies or desserts reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by one-third or one-half.
Another way children are exposed to sugar is through juice boxes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day for children 1-3 years old. For children ages 4-6, only 4-6 ounces per day and only 8 ounces for children ages 7-14. Drinking too many of these boxes can contribute to tooth decay and weight gain, therefore families are encouraged to choose drinks with less sugar content. To learn which juice boxes are the healthiest and unhealthiest, visit: https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/healthiest-and-unhealthiest-juice-boxes-kids-0

Carbonated soft drinks also promote tooth decay or cavities. In addition to the high sugar content, the acid contributes to the erosion of the tooth surface known as enamel.

Parents are encouraged to be good role models by:
  • Drinking water and milk and encouraging children to do the same.
  • Limiting soft drinks to one time a day and only at mealtimes.
  • Rinsing with water after drinking a soft drink to remove some of the sugar and acid.
  • Brushing and flossing twice a day.

For tips on supporting your child’s oral health, visit: https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/Focus-on-Good-Oral-Health.pdf

For guidance on how to brush young children’s teeth, visit: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/brushing-teeth.pdf

Children develop their taste preferences and brushing habits when they are young. By minimizing sugar and practicing good oral health, parents can support their child’s overall health and maintain their healthy smiles.  
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatricians, AAP News
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)