As a parent, helping your child avoid cavities can feel like a tall order, especially when your little one has a sweet tooth. While restricting sugar and desserts altogether isn’t necessarily feasible, here are some pediatric dentist-approved ways to help curb your child’s sugar cravings. 

4 Ways to Reduce Sugar Cravings & Cavities in Kids

1. Stick to Simple Drinks

Sugary beverages can increase your child’s daily intake of sugar and feed into their cravings. Stick to beverages like water and milk that have little to no sugar. Steer clear of sodas and artificially sweetened fruit juices whenever possible. 

2. Make Healthy Homemade Sweets

Having control over the sweet treats your child consumes can successfully reduce their overall intake. Baking healthy treats from scratch lets you measure ingredients and use processed sugar alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or fruit concentrate.

3. Avoid Using Sweets as a Reward

When your child refuses to eat their vegetables, promising dessert afterward is a tempting way to ensure they finish their meal. Unfortunately, this method puts sugar and desserts on a pedestal, which will lead to more cravings.

Instead of bartering in candy and treats, try other rewards like stickers, screen time, or an extra bedtime story. 

4. Set a Strong Example

Children will pick up on your habits and cues as you go about the day. With this in mind, maintain a healthy relationship with sugar. Lean toward healthy alternatives to processed sugar like fruit. Avoid keeping treats in the house, and approach desserts as a special, occasional indulgence. 

Are you looking for a friendly pediatric dentist who helps children fight cavities in a stress-free environment? Pediatric Dentistry Kahala is your one-stop-shop for oral health care. Led by Dr. Allen K. Hirai for over 24 years, this state-of-the-art practice has helped children across Oahu maintain healthy, beautiful smiles as they grow. To schedule a teeth cleaning for your little one, call today at (808) 737-0076. For more information on their services, visit their website.