4 Ways to Reduce Sugar at Breakfast

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day has also become known as the most sugary meal! Thanks to certain cereals, juices, and spreads — children are consuming half of their daily sugar intake first thing in the morning.

We all know the effect sugar has on teeth, so in an effort to help keep sugar in check for your family here are 4 ways you can reduce sugar during breakfast! 

1. Choose cereal carefully. Most cereals on the market that are aimed at kids are loaded with sugar, giving them an immediate sugar rush first thing in the morning! To help your children avoid a mid morning sugar crash, be sure to read nutrition labels carefully. Options like Cheerios (1g of sugar per serving) and Kellogg’s Unfrosted Mini Wheats Bite Size (1g of sugar per serving) are better than popular choices like Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (11g of sugar per serving) or Kellogg’s Fruit Loops (10g of sugar per serving).

2. Avoid juices. While fruit juice does have some vitamins and antioxidants, it contains no fiber and as much sugar as a soft drink! Instead, keep fruit juice consumption to a minimum and serve your family water or milk with their breakfast. Milk not only helps your bones but the calcium helps protect teeth against gum disease and keeps your mouth strong and healthy!

3. Beware of breakfast pastries! Donuts, muffins, crumb cakes, etc., are all easy grab and go options that can also be loaded with sugar. Instead, consider baking your own treats over the weekend for the week ahead! Try these Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Muffins (7 g of sugar) with no butter, refined flour, or refined sugar!

4. Choose savory breakfasts. Go savory instead of sweet! Savory breakfasts that provide a good mix of protein, veggies, and flavors are sure to keep your family full until lunchtime. Consider eggs with whole grain toast topped with avocado or these Mini Bacon and Cheese Frittatas that can be made in advance and frozen.

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

How Does Sugar Affect Teeth?

You hear it time and time again, eating too much sugar can lead to a cavity filled mouth — but exactly how does that happen? The sugar itself isn’t what causes damage, rather it’s the process of what happens to the sugar once consumed that does.

Learn more about the effect sugar has on teeth below. 

How do you get cavities?

Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria, many of which are good for your oral health! Harmful bacteria comes into play when sugar is present. This bacteria feeds on the sugars in your mouth to create acids that destroy the protective outer layer of your teeth — known as tooth enamel. Cavities are created by these acids and without treatment can seriously hurt your tooth!

So, how can these acids be stopped?

Fortunately, there is a natural process of demineralization and remineralization (think of it as a tug-of-war) that occurs in the mouth. As these acids attack the important minerals in your tooth enamel (demineralization), your saliva plays a key role in their restoration (remineralization). Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphates that help repair teeth! But limiting your sugar intake is key to giving your saliva a chance to fix any damage.

How else can I help remineralize tooth enamel?

Aside from limiting sugar, stimulating saliva flow! This can be done by chewing sugar free gum or gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Also, incorporating more fibrous veggies and fruits into your diet can help bathe your teeth in saliva and thus, important minerals.

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and phosphates as well. Finally, fluoride is another mineral that can repair weakened enamel so be sure to brush two minutes, twice a day with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.

Add regular dental visits with Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry into the mix and your family has the best chance of winning the battle against tooth decay! With three convenient Long Island locations, we specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Contact us to request an appointment today!