Most parents are confident that their children are eating very few sweets. But sugar is hard to avoid. Some percentage is found in almost everything we eat. Commercial breakfast products particularly can contain large amounts of sugar. The percentages listed below are total sugar content by chemical analysis. Sugars prevail to some extent in nearly all cereals. But sugars are also found in many other foods children enjoy.

If you are not sure about sugar content of a product, read the label. Ingredients are listed relative totheir amount in the product. Therefore, if sugar is listed first, there is more of it in that food than any other ingredient. "Dr. Wendy" asks you to please choose carefully.

 

Smart Snackin Suggestions

1. Keep in mind the number of times a day you eat sugary snacks. It is not so much the amount, but the frequency of sugary snacks that lead to tooth decay.

2. Be aware of the physical form of the sugary snack. Sticky chewy snacks are harmful because they stick to the teeth longer than food which are quickly chewed and swallowed.

3. The labels on food products show the contents in the order of quantity contained. If sugar, or a form of sugar is one of the first three ingredients contained, you can be guaranteed that the food product primarily contains sugar.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Brush after eating (whenever time permits) to remove the leftover food from teeth. If you cannot brush, swish with water, but be sure to brush well before bedtime.

Keep in mind many children brush regularly but often miss areas of the mouth without realizing it. "Dr. Wendy" only sees your child on occasion, therefore, the responsibility for clean teeth and prevention of dental disease lies primarily in your hands!

Remember, if it tastes sweet, it is probably loaded with sugar!