Every health-conscious Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City area 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 Oklahoma City child’s diet is essential for lifelong dental health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks at your Oklahoma City market, convenience store or recreation center snack bar, read the labels. Sugar content varies among brands.
Sugar is only one diet component that impacts your 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 OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, we provide high-quality childrens’, general, and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the communities of Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore OK. The team at OKC Smiles pampers our youngest patients. If you have a toddler who has not visited a dentist, call us today to book a first-time dental check-up. Our number is 405-634-7303.
