What is the Sugar Content in Popular Food and Drinks?

Dr. Lucia Gerstmann, Dr. Marlina Shah, DDS. Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry. Special Needs/Sensory Dentistry, General Anesthesia in a Comfortable Setting, Infant Oral Health, Smile Whitening, Extractions, Accident & Injury Services. Pediatric Dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
sweet cereal

What Does a Kid’s Cavity Look Like?

As parents, we often associate a cavity in our child’s tooth with visible signs like discoloration or pain. However, the reality is that cavities can sometimes go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage. Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg is here to help you understand what a cavity in kids

Read More »

A Guide to Reducing Sugar Intake for Kids During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, let’s face it, indulging in delicious treats. While it’s perfectly normal to enjoy some festive sweets, it’s essential to be mindful of the impact excessive sugar can have on kids’ oral health. Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg knows that

Read More »

How Colds and The Flu Impact Kids’ Oral Health

The changing seasons often bring with them an unwelcome guest – the cold and flu viruses. While the physical toll on children is widely known, what many parents may not realize is that these common illnesses can also have a significant impact on their oral health. Join your pediatric dentist

Read More »

What is the Sugar Content in Popular Food and Drinks?

Do you know what the sugar content is in your child’s favorite drinks and foods? Many people drink and eat more sugar than they realize, so it’s important to understand how much of the sweet stuff is in the foods and drinks your family consumes. Luckily, your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg is here to provide a quick rundown of the sugar content in some of the most popular items to help you make informed decisions.

Soft Drinks

It should come as no surprise that soft drinks are at the top of the list. These bubbly drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth and overall oral health, especially if consumed regularly. Many popular sodas are packed with sugar, some 12-ounce cans can contain up to 46 grams of sugar, which is nearly double the recommended daily intake. However, sugar isn’t the only problem hiding in soft drinks. The phosphoric acid in sodas can destroy tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities.

Fruit Juice

Parents often choose fruit juices because they see them as pretty healthy, but according to your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg, fruit juices are actually not great for teeth, as they often contain astonishing amounts of sugar. For example, a 10-ounce bottle of orange juice contains about 35 grams of sugar, while bottled lemonade contains 36 grams. As with soda, the concerns don’t end there. Fruit juice can also be highly acidic. These acids can actually wear away tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity and tooth decay.

Condiments

Extra toppings like barbeque sauce, ketchup, and even some dressings may spice up a meal, but surprisingly, they can also contain a lot of sugar. Since it’s easy to overdo it on the condiments, make sure you’re only using a small amount as to not consume too much sugar unexpectedly. After all, ketchup can contain 4 grams of sugar in just a tablespoon, while some barbeque sauces have 8 grams. When it comes to dressing, be wary of fat-free or low-fat options. They can contain more than 5 grams of sugar per tablespoon.

Breakfast Cereals

Certain breakfast cereals can contain an alarming amount of sugars that can lead to cavities, especially if you eat it every morning. Some brands rack up to 15 grams of sugar per serving and can be over 50% sugar! While most of these cereals are aimed at children, adult cereals aren’t safe from sugar either. Make sure to read the nutritional label and find an option that’s high in fiber and doesn’t have added sugars.

Some foods and drinks contain high levels of sugar that are obvious, like soda and candy. But there are even more that can be high in sugar and you don’t even know it. Make sure you know what you’re consuming so that you can keep your little one’s teeth and body healthy.

Besides eating a well-balanced diet and a low amount of sugary treats, make sure your child sees his pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg at least twice a year.

Skip to content