5 Tips To Help Your Family Cut Back on Sugar

Are you trying to improve your family’s health this summer?

Are you looking for a way to cut back on the amount of sugary treats your family consumes?

Imagine how much healthier you’ll be and how much money you’ll save when you cut sugar out of your diet!

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we pride ourselves on being the experts not only in pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, but also in overall family dentistry. We care about you and your family’s health!

Since sugar is such a huge part of our daily diets, it can be tough to figure out how to crack the addiction and cut back. We’ve gathered some tips to help you and your family get healthier this summer.

1. Start small: According to the American Heart Association, cutting back on the amount of sugar that we eat and drink regularly can help you cut down on your sugar intake. Start putting less sugar in your coffee or tea, and also cut back on the table sugar that you use on foods.
2. Swap out soda: Starting small is the key here, too! Cutting down on soda can be hard, so start by buying sugar-free versions of your favorite drinks as you work on cutting them out of your diet altogether.
3. Cut back on serving sizes: Moderation is the key. When making treats like cookies or brownies for you and your family, start cutting back on the sugar in the recipe. Often, you won’t notice the difference if you cut back the sugar by one-third. 
4. Add fruit instead of sugar: When you would usually add sugar to something, like cereal or oatmeal, try adding fresh fruit or dried fruit instead for some added sweetness.
5. Try non-nutritive sweeteners: According to the American Heart Association, “sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose or saccharin in moderation may be a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding more calories to your diet.”

We know that cutting back on sugar, especially for kids, can be tough! However, getting sugar out of your diet can have great benefits on your overall health, and the health of your teeth! Less sugar means fewer cavities, longer lasting enamel, and lower risks of diabetes.

If you want more information about how to cut down on sugar and the health benefits of doing so, contact us today!

Tooth Care Tips for Parents of Toddlers and Infants

Are you having trouble soothing your teething baby?

Do you have a toddler who needs to learn how to brush their teeth properly?

Teething can be frustrating for you and especially your child. It’s important to care for your infant’s teething properly for the best tooth development and growth.

Many parents are unsure whether they’re making the best decisions when it comes to choices in their children’s lives; tooth care isn’t any less worrisome. Dental care can cost you as much as thousands of dollars through the course of your children’s upbringing if they fail to properly care for their teeth.

Humana suggests “what you teach your children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated dental procedures tomorrow. While good dental health is critical for everyone, regardless of age, instilling healthy habits in kids early may prevent the dread typically associated with climbing into the dentist’s chair.”

We’ve compiled a list of healthy habits you can instill in your children today, including:

1. Teach your toddler good brushing habits, and don’t relent if he or she puts up a fuss before bedtime. Make sure your child knows that regularly brushing his or her teeth is important, and it should be done every day.
2. If your child gets fussy before bedtime, try getting him to brush his teeth right after dinner before getting too tired.
3. Let your child choose toothpaste! There are plenty of toothpastes in bright colors and fun flavors especially designed for kids. Look for ones with the ADA seal of approval, and then let your toddler pick out his or her favorite. This can make brushing more fun!
4. Make brushing a family event!
5. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day!

Looking For More About Pediatric Dentistry in Howell, Michigan?

Dr. DiStefano & Associates are the premier dentists for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, and love working with kids in the community! If you need more information, or need to set up your child’s very first dentist appointment, call us today to get started, or visit our website for more information!