Sugary treats are a favorite among children, but everyone occasionally enjoys them. While it is okay to treat yourself occasionally, consistently consuming high sugar levels can have serious consequences for your oral and general health. Some of their go-to beverages and snacks already contain a lot of sugar or add more sugar, which does not help.
You can also contact a Dentist in Bristol, Connecticut, to learn more about the effects of sugar on your child’s teeth. They will also help you understand your child’s oral health and the necessary precautions to be taken.
How Much Sugar Is Safe for Children to Eat Every Day?
According to an American Heart Association scientific statement, children and adolescents should limit their daily intake of added sugar to fewer than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons. In addition, they advise that infants and toddlers under the age of two avoid all added sweets.
Consuming several sweetened beverages and meals while still young has been associated with adult-onset cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hypertension.
Ways to Recognize Hidden Sugars
Foods with added sugars may be listed under different names on ingredient labels. Here is a compiled list of sugar’s alternative names to assist you in spotting them:
- HFCS, or high fructose corn syrup
- Glucose-rice syrup
- Pure agave syrup
- Honey
- Concentrated fruit juice
- Expired canned fruit juice
- Undiluted fruit juice
The Dangers of Sugar for Your Child’s Teeth
Tooth decay is a direct result of a diet high in sugar. Sugary meals are bad for your teeth because their acids break down the minerals that make up your enamel. The enamel, or outer covering of the teeth, becomes porous if your youngster regularly consumes too much sugar. This can cause cavities. Cavities can emerge in your child’s teeth if the holes they already have are allowed to grow.
How sugar affects your child’s teeth is complicated by bacteria. The beneficial and bad microorganisms in our mouths number in the billions. When kids (and adults) consume excessive amounts of sugar, dangerous bacteria convert it into acid. Over time, this acid will eat away at the enamel on your teeth, resulting in a cavity. Tooth decay can be prevented by diligent brushing, eliminating microorganisms from the tooth’s surface.
Sugar Can Be Dangerous To Your Child’s Teeth
Children should limit the amount of sugar they consume and go to the pediatric dentist regularly. This is the most effective way to protect their teeth from developing cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
