Sugar Cravings Begin Early in Life

    This may be the most important and informative blog that I have ever written.  I recently read a scientific article with the following results........"If you introduce juice with sugar into your child's diet BEFORE their 2nd birthday,  it will increase the risk of tooth decay by 3 times (300 percent).  This fact is almost unbelievable,  but it is TRUE.  

It is important that parents understand the importance of the first two years of life.  They are VERY IMPORTANT.   I also read another article by an expert on Parkinsons disease.   The quote was...."If you have  Parkinsons  your family has Parkinsons."   This statement can also apply to mainstream families or those with special needs and autism.  Family members affect their family members unconsciously.   It is just part of being in a family, and you will have both the good and  not so good.  

The youngest child in the family will usually have the biggest "sweet tooth", because they are exposed to sugar earlier in life.  Younger children want the same things that their older siblings get.  This is a fact of life.  It is not bad intentions by parents or siblings.  It is a part of being a family.   

The bottom line message is this.  Parents need to minimize the amount of sugar in their families diet.  You CANNOT eliminate sugar,  you can only MINIMIZE or MONITOR the amount of sugar your family eats or drinks.  Another scientific article that I read have the following results.   In 1960, the average American ate 5 pounds of sugar per year,  and in 2022, the average American at 100 pounds of sugar per year.   

My only advice is......read the nutritional facts on the BACK labels of the products you purchase.  The information on the front label is filled with information to get you to BUY the product.  Ideally, no sugar products are the best for your child.  This advice is to help you reduce your need for expensive dental treatment and save your anxiety and spending  money in the dental office.   
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Yours for better oral health,  
Dr Steve Branam