Every parent knows that sugar isn’t good for their children or their teeth. But how much sugar is actually “too much” for kids, and what’s the real connection between sugar and teeth over time?
The American Heart Association says children under age 2 should not have added sugar. Males should eat no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar a day, and females should limit it to 6 teaspoons. This doesn’t include natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables.
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry knows dental caries (cavities) and sugar tooth decay can come from too much sugar in a child’s diet. The biggest culprit? Sugar-sweetened beverages — sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, drink pouches, and other soft drinks.
Check the labels on your child’s drinks, and you may be surprised by how many grams of added sugars (including high fructose corn syrup) are in your child’s favorite drink, even ones marketed as containing fruit juices.
Lots of kids drink sports drinks to cool off in the summer, such as Gatorade, Propel, and Powerade. Yes, these soda sports drinks contain electrolytes that can replenish your supply after you sweat them out, but most also contain lots of sugar for “energy.”
Kids’ snacks are big sources of added sugars, too. Those fruit gummy snacks have lots of added sugar. Ice cream, candy, coffee drinks from chain cafes, breakfast cereals, and other foods and drinks aimed at kids often contain lots of added sugar. Choosing sugar-free versions, or swapping in fruits and vegetables as a healthier choice, can make a real difference.
How Much Sugar for Kids Is Too Much?
The American Heart Association’s guidance on added sugar intake recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar a day for children, and none at all for kids under 2.
What can all that added sugar do to your child’s health? Added sugar can increase your child’s chances of tooth decay (cavities) and weight gain. It can also increase your child’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Teenagers consume a large amount of sugars thanks to sports drinks, frequent snacking, and orthodontic appliances that trap plaque and food particles against their teeth.
You may think this is a war on sugar, but it’s not. Every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated to guide things like school meals, nutrition guidelines, and the link between free sugars and children’s health. The guidelines are updated and published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture.
What Dangers Are in Added Sugar Intake?
The American Dental Association’s response to the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines said it was happy to see sugars addressed more directly in the latest guidelines, since added sugars, from sources like sugary drinks and soft drinks, have been shown to have a detrimental effect on oral health and overall health.
The relationship between excessive sugar consumption and teeth goes beyond cavities. Aside from tooth decay, gum disease, and other threats to oral health, cavities and gum disease can cause pain that can make it harder to eat, which can diminish your child’s nutrition as they are still developing. This can be detrimental to their overall health.
The American Heart Association ties added sugar intake to heart disease, cardiovascular problems, and obesity in children.
What Are Some Ways to Combat the Sugar Issue?
Check the nutrition labels on your child’s favorite snacks and drinks, and don’t buy the ones with the most sugar. Limit their sugary foods and drinks, and look for a sugar-free or lower-sugar swap when you can. The American Heart Association found that sugary foods and drinks contributed to the added sugar in kids’ diets, 40 grams and 38 grams respectively.
Have your child rinse their mouths with plain water after eating sugary foods or drinking sugary drinks. This will help remove some of the acids and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
The American Heart Association recommends that children and teenagers limit their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (including sodas and sports drinks) to one 8 oz. drink a week.
Make sure your child practices good oral hygiene habits, brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. They need to visit the dentist for a professional examination and cleaning at least twice a year.
Frequently Asked: Sugar’s Effect on Kids’ Teeth
Is extra sugar really that bad for my kid?
Should I increase their dental visits?
My child has already had cavities. Does that mean they're prone to getting them?
Family Dentistry in Fayetteville, AR
If you suspect your child has cavities in Fayetteville, AR, or Northwest Arkansas, schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry. We’ll be happy to take a look and give you options on what to do.
