Every parent should know that chocolates, lollies and fizzy drinks are bad for their child’s teeth. It’s because the sugar in these foods and drinks is harmful and causes decay, a disease that more than 50% of Australian kids suffer. Tooth decay is caused by how frequently we snack and how long there is exposure to food at one time. This isn’t just lollies and fizzy drinks, but any foods that are high are natural sugars or starch. Every time we eat and our teeth are exposed to the sugars, the bacteria in our mouths (plaque) use these sugars to make acid. If teeth are exposed to this acid long enough then holes will develop – this is known as tooth decay.
However it’s not all bad news. No one is saying your children should never be allowed to eat sugars again. Rather, when choosing snacks, be aware of how much sugar is in them. But more importantly, reduce the number of times they eat these foods and make sure they aren’t being eaten over long periods of time.
Tips to choosing snacks for children
- Fresh is best. Packaged foods are generally higher in sugar that their fresh alternatives.
- Remember, snacks are meals in between main meals so they should be light and low in sugar.
- Always read the label – if sugar is listed in the top three ingredients it’s usually not a good sign.
5 tips to stop decay in its tracks
- avoid snack foods that are sticky, gummy, chewy or sweet
- Avoid grazing! Have set meal times and form a routine
- Limit fruit to two servings per day. Fruit is good but too much can be harmful/
- Give your kids water with every meal to help wash away lingering food.
- Be selective with snacks. Vegies, cheeses and lean meats are great and tasty options