If you are a parent, your priority is doing everything you can to keep your baby safe and on the right track to lead a long, healthy, beautiful life. In today’s world, there are so many things that are constantly being thrown our way for consideration. Things our own parents never really worried about are now the main issues of parenthood, such as the use of a safe, mineral sunscreen, using essential oils as homeopathic remedies, or balancing screentime with outdoor time. The list goes on and on, and it can be overwhelming to know if you are doing the right thing as a parent. The good news is: if you are doing your due diligence to make sure you are a good mother or father, chances are you probably already are.
A Childhood Epidemic
One of the main concerns for children and babies – at least from a health professional/dental standpoint – is their high sugar diets. As dentists, we see how consuming sugar in the form of candy, soft drinks, juices, or even some fruit can cause severe cavities and tooth decay. Our American diets are to blame, and sadly, the high sugar consumption we see in kids is now a scary epidemic. Sugar doesn’t just have negative ramifications for your baby’s teeth, but sugar can have other consequences like:
- Childhood Obesity
- Insulin Resistance
- Type II Diabetes
- Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Behavioral or Sleep Disorders
As a parent trying to do your best for your child, limiting sugar intake is one of the best things you can do for their health.
Juice, Sugar, and Your Baby
Like most things in life, moderation is key – unless you’re a baby. When you start to think about giving your baby juice, whether in a sippy cup or in a bottle, we highly encourage you to stop and think about the things we listed above. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association have recommended that children under the age of 2 not consume any added sugar in their diet. After the age of 2, both organizations encourage parents to keep the overall intake of sugar for children below 25 grams per day.
On Your Side
We know how difficult it can be as a parent to want to keep your children healthy but also give them things that make them happy. While some ol’ timers may claim that juice is the cure for many pediatric ailments such as constipation or a sore throat, we can assure you that the damage done from giving too much sugar too early in life is not worth it.
At Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Michelle Haman has been on the parents’ side for more than 20 years! Our professional team is passionate about encouraging kids to be healthy and active and to start good habits at a young age. If you have questions about what your baby can have while they are getting their first set of teeth – or you want to discuss other dental issues that affect your baby – please schedule an appointment today.