A healthy, beautiful smile for life starts in childhood, and the experts at Pedodontic Associates are dedicated to helping Hawaii’s children achieve those smiles. With three offices on Maui and Oahu, this team of pediatric dentists provides high-quality care in a comforting environment. In addition to receiving gentle, routine dental care during each visit, children are taught the oral hygiene skills they’ll need to protect their teeth for years to come. Pediatric dentistry offers benefits for children of all ages, including adolescents who are beginning to take a more active role in managing their health.

Everyone enjoys a sweet treat from time to time, but the high sugar and acid content of most bottled beverages can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Although pediatric dentists treat these problems often, prevention is always preferred. Even drinks made with artificial sweeteners can lead to these problems because the sugar substitutes react with saliva the same way natural sugar does.

The following three low-sugar options will give your family the sweet refreshment they crave without the excess sugar:

• Natural Ginger Ale: While many people will use club soda or seltzer to reduce a beverage’s sweetness and introduce some fizz, why not use a few simple ingredients to transform plain soda water into ginger ale? All you need is some water, ginger root, lemon juice, and honey.
• Iced Fruit Drinks: Take advantage of the abundant local produce and make purees of your children’s favorite fruits. Remember to strain the seeds and excess pulp from the puree before serving. There are two ways you can use this puree to make fruity soda substitutes: add some directly to your natural ginger ale, or freeze it into ice cubes and add a few to a glass of plain soda water.
• Smoothies: A basic smoothie consists of fruit, ice, and water or milk. Some recipes recommend adding yogurt for thickness and protein. If you are using dairy ingredients in your smoothies, remember to choose products that don’t have added sugar. Unlike fruit juices, smoothies retain much of the fruit’s nutritious fiber, making these colorful drinks a very satisfying snack.

No matter which of these beverages you choose to make with your family, remember to sip them through straws. Using a straw limits the amount of contact the fruit’s natural sugars and acids will have with your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. Your pediatric dentist and your teeth will thank you.

Visit Pedodontic Associates online to learn more about their dental care philosophy and services for children of all ages. Call (808) 487-7933 to reach the Aiea office; (808) 735-1733 to reach the Honolulu office; or (808) 877-0066 to reach the Kahului office.