Here in the United States, we are obsessed with all things sugar. The introduction of high-fructose corn syrup has led us to begin adding sugar to foods (and even non-foods) you wouldn’t think needed sugar. Certain drugs such as cough drops and cold syrup contain sugar as well as lip gloss. Even stamp and envelopes have sugar in the mix! Keeping track of the amount of sugar your child eats will not only help you, by reducing the hyper activity and subsequent crash that sugar causes, it will help their teeth stay healthy.
The worst sugary treats you could give your child are treats that remain in the mouth for a prolonged period, such as suckers and gum with sugar in it. Simply by replacing sugary gum with sugar-free gum is a step in the right direction for a healthy mouth! With all the sugar around us, parents may have a difficult time finding snacks children would enjoy that have less sugar. If you child has a sweet tooth, try the recipe below to satisfy their craving!
1 Large Apple
¼ cup Peanut Butter
Sprinkle of Cinnamon
Slice the Apple into 8 wedges. Take a spoon and spread the peanut butter on both sides of each apple wedge. Sprinkle the cinnamon on the peanut butter and enjoy!
The foods listed in this recipe have not all been tested for their decay-causing potential. However, knowledge to date indicates that they are less likely to promote tooth decay than are some of the heavily sugared foods children often eat between meals 1.
1. Floria, Barbara. “Limit Kids’ Sweets All Year Round.” Delta Dental. 26 Jan. 2010. Web. 05 Mar. 2012. <http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Children/Nutrition/22,DD108