Overconsumption of sugar: It is more than just cavities

February is a Dental Health Month

Overconsumption of sugar: It is more than just cavities?

According to new recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA), children should not consume more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

Did you know that the average child consumes 19 teaspoons of added sugar daily? Some of this is hidden sugar in
healthy foods, such as yogurts, processed foods, snack foods, and juices.

Inflammation and sugar intake are closely related to kids. This is due to the overconsumption of sugar in the average child’s daily diet. Inflammation due to overconsumption of sugar may be responsible for more health problems in our children than just dental cavities. Research is showing that a slew of children’s health problems could be linked to inflammation. These include dental caries (cavities), allergies, asthma, eczema, behavioral issues, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, weight gain, and much more. While inflammation isn't a bad thing, that's how we respond to stress and foreign particles. Inflammation that continues long-term, known as chronic inflammation, can, however, cause severe damage. Continual overconsumption of sugar leads to chronic inflammation not just in adults but in kids.  

Overconsumption of sugar and health effects: 

Overconsumption of sugar disturbs the digestive tract which, can lead to a weakened immune system and or GI problems. To be metabolized, sugar robs the immune system of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B complex and Zinc. Inflammation also causes children to become prone to cracked skin, acne, and rosacea. Children may also experience common cold-like or allergy-like symptoms such as congestion or coughing, and they are often a result of excessive sugar consumption. 

How to prevent overconsumption of sugar in children:

Look for hidden sugars and don't be fooled by something being "organic." Sugar comes under many different names such as dextrose, concentrated fruit juice, and rice syrup. 

Try using substitutes such as sugar-free applesauce when baking, plain Greek yogurt in place of flavored yogurts, and use fresh fruit and peanut or almond butter as an alternative to syrup.

Avoid sugary drinks such as smoothies and sports drinks. While you won’t be able to avoid sugar altogether, the primary key is moderation. 

A consistent diet full of real, unrefined, whole, unprocessed foods means that an occasional cookie or piece of cake is nothing to worry about.

Learn more about Children Wellness here:

https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com/visit-dentists-for-children-in-lincoln-ne/

Check out our website here:

https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com