Every health-conscious Houston parent knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities for kids. And plenty of us adults also snack on too many sweet snacks and beverages.
Because of cavity risks, low nutritional value, and high calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But there is also sugar lurking in so-called “healthy” snacks.
Here are some popular kid’s snacks with significant amounts of sugar:
yogurt covered raisins
fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
rice cakes
many brands of yogurt including the hand-held type
juice drinks
flavored milk
barbecue sauce
fruit smoothies
cereal bars
Controlling sugar intake in your Houston child’s diet is essential for lifelong oral health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks at your market, convenience store, or recreation center snack bar, read the labels. Sugar content varies among brands.
Sugar is only one diet component that impacts kids’ oral health. If your son’s or daughter’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.
At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland, we provide high-quality childrens, general, and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the Texas communities of Pearland, Friendswood, and Alvin. The team at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry pampers our youngest patients. If you have a toddler who has not visited a dentist, call us today to schedule a first-time dental check-up. Our number is 281-485-4829.