It is well known that both adults and children enjoy sweets, but that a diet high in sugar is detrimental to both general health and oral health. The majority of parents are concerned that their children are eating too much sugar. It is important for your child to consume some sugar. However, excessive consumption can result in health problems, cavities, and hyperactivity. The best thing you can do for your child is to ensure that they receive the right amount of sugar and develop healthy habits for life.

The right amount

It is well known that sugar does not contain any nutritional value. The only benefit of sugar is that it provides your child with a small amount of energy. Doctors and nutritionists recommend that preschoolers consume no more than three teaspoons of sugar per day. You can increase your child’s sugar intake to a maximum of eight teaspoons per day if your child is a tween or teen. Maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle for your child starts with ensuring that he or she consumes the right amount of sugar.

The importance of avoiding a high-sugar diet

For most parents, the primary concern is determining which types of food are safe to consume and which are high in sugar. Moreover, many of today’s foods contain levels of sugar that are far above the levels recommended for children. As a result, limiting your child’s consumption of processed and sweet foods is the best thing you can do for them. You may wish to provide your child with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables

Feeding your child fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will encourage a healthy diet and prevent sugar dependence. Children who consume the right foods get a minimal amount of sugar and foods that contain vitamins and minerals necessary for positive growth and a healthy lifestyle. Since children can be quite picky, you may want to choose easy fruits and vegetables like avocado, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, spinach, carrots, and potatoes. When you introduce your child to simple fruits and vegetables at a young age, he or she will learn to love them and eventually grow to enjoy trickier foods as well.

Every now and then, a treat

Giving your child a treat every now and then is also a good idea. If you are going to be strict about your child’s sugar intake, you may want to give your child treats that still have nutritional value. Fortunately, you can make your own desserts at home from fruits and grains and substitute real sugar with natural sweeteners such as agave nectar or maple syrup. Helping your child make the right choices now will encourage a positive lifestyle in the future.

Our kids’ dental and orthodontics office wants to ensure that your child develops healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next appointment.