Many children love sweets and don’t have the same awareness of their drawbacks as adults. You likely know sugar is bad for your children’s teeth, but it could also create problems for their cardiovascular health. If you’re wondering how to improve their dental care and diet, here are some ideas to help control your child’s sweet tooth.

4 Ways to Control Your Child’s Sugar Cravings

1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Make sweets harder to see or reach. Don’t just place them in a cabinet where your children will see them every time you reach for the cooking spray. They may be tempted to climb the counters as soon as you turn your back. Instead, hide sweets in your bedroom or on a high shelf in the pantry to limit access.

2.  Don’t Give Sweets as Treats

Try not to make sweets a big deal. Drawing attention to them will make children think of them as special and want them more often. Swap out dessert for snacks sometimes, so when you do have something sweet, it’ll seem normal.

3. Provide Healthy Alternatives

Make healthy snack options accessible at home, like fruits, unsalted popcorn, nuts, and hard-boiled eggs. Kids will particularly enjoy dipping carrots and celery sticks, which are high in fiber. Plus, chewing them stimulates the gum line. Other snacks that promote dental care include apples, cheese sticks, yogurt, and grapes.

4. Set an Example

Your children learn much of their behavior from you, so try not to eat sweets in front of them unless you intend to share. Instead, let them see you opt for healthier options when you shop for groceries and prepare snacks at home. Also, avoid desserts when you eat out. Going to the restaurant should be the treat.

Besides sugar control, your children require regular dental cleanings to keep up with their oral health. When it’s time for their next dental care exam, bring them to Pedodontic Associates. With locations on Oahu and Maui, HI, their team has provided comprehensive dental care for kids of all ages for over 25 years. To learn more about their services, visit them online. To make an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.