Being a parent means constantly having a packed schedule, which leaves little to no time when it comes to checking nutritional labels while you’re shopping for groceries. Many parents trust that products that are marketed towards children are healthy for them. However, a recent study conducted by the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity says that’s not always the case. A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates can impact your little one’s oral health. Read on to learn why you should be cautious of purchasing beverages marketed towards children, and how your pediatric dentist in Naperville can help keep your little one’s mouth healthy.
The Secret Behind Beverages Marketed Towards Children
A study published in October of 2019 looked at the amount of added sugars in children’s fruit and flavored drinks that parents commonly purchase to pack in lunches and give for snacks. They examined the claim that common products marketed as healthy for children often contain high amounts of sugar, which can make it hard for busy parents to easily identify products that are and aren’t healthy for their little ones.
The researchers analyzed the packaging and nutritional contents of the top-selling brands of children’s drinks, including 34 sweetened drinks and 33 drinks without added sweeteners. They found that claims made through marketing and packaging on sweetened children’s drinks were similar to unsweetened drinks, which makes it confusing for parents to tell which options are healthier. They also found that 62 percent of children’s drink sales in 2018 were sweetened beverages.
Children’s Oral Health Problems and Sugar
Many parents are aware of how sugar impacts their children’s physical health, but not how it affects their oral health. Drinks that contain high amounts of sugar can increase your child’s risk of developing oral health problems like cavities, infections, and even gum disease. The substance helps feed harmful oral bacteria, which produce enamel-eroding acid and toxins that can inflame and irritate their gums.
Children are especially susceptible to cavity formation because the enamel on their temporary teeth is thin, which allows acid to easily penetrate the outer protective surface and cause decay. When their teeth are frequently exposed to sugar from children’s beverages, it can result in routine cavity formation.
Pediatric Preventive Treatments That Can Protect Your Child’s Mouth
A major factor that could play a part in cavity formation is your child’s diet. If they regularly drink beverages or eat snacks that are high in sugars and carbohydrates, it could put them at a significantly higher risk of developing issues. That’s why it’s important to take them for regular visits to their children’s dentist in Naperville. They also offer preventive treatments that can help protect their pearly whites, including dental sealants and fluoride application.
Even though it may seem like a no-brainer to purchase snacks and beverages that are marketed as healthy for children, these products can sometimes be deceitfully advertised. That’s why it’s always a good idea to double-check the nutrition label on items before you purchase them for your little one, and remember that if you’re ever in doubt, water and milk are always the best options. Mindful grocery shopping paired with routine preventive dental care from their pediatric dentist will ensure that your child’s smile will stay happy and healthy into adulthood.
About the Practice
At Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer the services of four highly trained and experienced children’s dentists who love helping little ones get excited about taking care of their smiles. They have all received extensive training and advanced education to be able to provide growing and fragile smiles with high-quality preventive dental care. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your child, visit our website or call 630-995-3393.