Be Careful with Sugar

health effects of sugar

Parents today are becoming more educated on the negative health effects of sugar with their children. Children under the age of two should not have any sugar whatsoever. With childhood obesity rates skyrocketing and new research uncovering the hidden dangers of sugar consumption, parents today need to be more careful than ever before. Sugar can destroy their teeth in months because the enamel of their baby teeth is not as hard as permanent teeth. 

The entire staff at Smile Time Kids LOVES children. We enjoy their budding personalities and their constant search for answers. We are a compassionate, caring, and patient team when working with your child. Their young smiles are important to us. Call us today at 765-373-3100 with any questions you have regarding your child or stop by Smile Time Kids at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN, 47374.

Consider an Evaluation and Checkup

To make sure that your child has not already been adversely affected by excess sugar intake, consider scheduling medical and dental checkups. The staff at Smile Time Kids will make your child feel right at home as we carefully evaluate and treat their teeth. If your child has tooth decay caused by sugar, we offer a wide range of restorative dentistry techniques in addition to preventive dentistry like sealants, which can help return your child to dental health.

The Dangers of Excess Sugar Consumption with Your Child

  • Tooth Decay- The human mouth is naturally filled with bacteria that feed off the simple sugars in the foods that we eat. As these bacteria grow and multiply, they create acids that attack and erode dental enamel resulting in cavities. The acids also create toxins that inflame gum tissue, causing problems like pain, swelling, and even childhood gingivitis, or gum disease. The more sugar your child consumes, the faster these bacteria will cause damage. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, you should focus on limiting your child’s sugar intake and improving their daily oral hygiene routines, brushing twice a day to remove the plaque and bacteria. Smile Time Kids can help with suggestions on creating good habits. 
  • Childhood Obesity- Sugar is packed with empty calories, fueling the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States. Currently one in three children in our country is overweight, making it harder to run, play, and fit in with their peers. Sugar also causes childhood obesity because it causes the blood to flood with insulin, blocking a hormone that tells the brain that you are full. For this reason, children who eat a diet high in sugar are likely to continue to overeat.
  • Malnutrition- Sugar does not contain any vitamins or minerals that your child needs to be healthy, which is why diets high in sugar often lead to malnourishment. If your child does not receive the protein, vitamins, and minerals that they need every day they will lack energy and be more likely to get sick.
  • Learning Difficulties- Research has proven that sugar can also cause brain fog, making it difficult for children to concentrate in school and learn key concepts.

Suggestions for Limiting Your children's Sugar Intake

You can do a lot to limit your child’s sugar intake by simply being aware and making a few changes. Here are a few tips from Smile Time Kids for limiting your child’s sugar intake to protect their teeth and their overall health.

  • Simply Do Not Bring It Home- To keep your child from eating sugary foods, focus on keeping it out of your house. Out of sight, out of mind. Avoid the cookie and candy aisle in the store, and do not keep ice cream in your freezer. Instead, keep ingredients for cookies and cakes around the house, and make them for special occasions only.
  • Provide Plenty of Healthy Snacks- When your child eats less sugar, they will enjoy foods that are naturally sweeter, such as fresh fruits. To satisfy your child’s sweet tooth without offering cookies or candy, keep fresh sliced or peeled fruit in individual containers in the refrigerator.
  • Limit Juices and Sugary Drinks- Your child might love juice, but it could be fueling their desire for sugar. Pay attention to how much sugar is in the juices and drinks you offer your child. Avoid offering them beverages that are high in sugar. Instead, give your child their own water bottle and encourage them to stay hydrated.
  • Make Treats a Treat- All too often, parents will give their children too many treats, when the fact of the matter is that these extras should be offered infrequently. Focus on making treats a treat, and do not keep them around where your child could discover them and indulge.

Make an Appointment for Your Child Today!

Smile Time Kids would like to share the recommendations of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They suggest bringing your child in for their first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the time your child is one, whichever occurs first. We will work with your child and treat them like family. We love happy and healthy children. Afterwards, children should visit at normal intervals just like you would schedule your own dental checkups. Call 765-373-3100 today to make an appointment with Smile Time Kids. Our office is located at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374. Let us keep your child healthy together.