Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Parenting Tips

What to Know About Added Sugar

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March is National Nutrition Month and an important thing to consider for your child’s diet is how much added sugar they’re consuming. Sugar is found in a variety of food, drinks, and snacks. It can even sneak up in foods and condiments that people wouldn’t expect such as crackers, breads, ketchup, etc. Because added sugar is so commonly found, many children consume more sugar than what is considered safe and healthy. Excess consumption of added sugar can lead to conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease, and it can weaken the immune system as well. Limiting your child’s sugar intake is a key part to maintaining a healthy diet.

Keep in mind though that not all sugars are the same. Natural sugar, which is found in whole foods like fresh fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains, and other complex carbs, is safe to consume. In fact, foods that contain natural sugar are beneficial because they’re rich in nutrients and fiber, which slows down the digestion of sugar. Natural sugar is also important to prevent hypoglycemia, which occurs when the blood sugar level is too low, leading to fatigue and dizziness. Consuming natural sugar from fruits and other whole foods provides your children with energy. But unlike natural sugar, added sugar and refined sugar are added to foods that don’t naturally have them. These sugars come in various names and types, such as high-fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, molasses, honey, malt syrup, and raw sugar. Processed sugar in particular is the most harmful and should therefore be the most limited. This type of sugar is typically found in soda, candy, packaged snacks, and baked goods. 

We recommend looking out for packaged foods advertised as “healthy,” including breakfast cereals, as these can contain a significant amount of added sugar. No more than 25 grams of added sugar (about 6 teaspoons) or more than 10% of calories should be consumed on a daily basis. The best way to ensure that your child is not going over these limits is to read the list of ingredients and nutrition facts labels carefully. For tips on how to read labels, check out this resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children under 2 years of age shouldn’t consume any added sugar. 

Another important thing to be aware of is that sugar-containing beverages like soda and juice, as well as candies, tend to be more harmful than many sugar-containing snacks. The reason for this is because they’re known as having “empty calories” without any nutrients or fiber to aid in digesting the sugar. Treat these as treats for special occasions so that your child doesn’t develop a habit of consuming them. If your child has a strong sweet tooth, the best option to satisfy it is by giving them fruits like bananas, apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, watermelon, plums, etc.  

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s diet, please contact our office. Our pediatrician can guide your family on healthy eating. 

Children’s Dental Health

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February is Children’s Dental Health Month and something to always remember when it comes to your child’s health is that their oral health is important for their overall health. Your child’s dental health begins when they get their first tooth, which typically occurs when they’re between 4 and 7 months old. Once you see their first tooth erupts, you’ll want to start tooth brushing by using a soft-bristled brush that’s specifically designed for babies. Make sure to only use a small smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) until they reach age 3. It is also recommended to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, a natural mineral which strengthens the enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. 

After your child reaches the age of 3, you can start to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste. And when your child is able to brush their own teeth, they can begin to use a normal amount. This is usually when they’re about 5 or 6 years old. At this point, you’ll want to make sure that your child is taught the proper techniques of tooth brushing and good oral hygiene practices. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes during each session. Children should brush their teeth thoroughly from top to bottom and inside and out. You might also want to consider using music or a counting game that lasts 2 minutes to make the cleaning routine more fun and easier to stick to. Keep in mind that the back molars are the most common teeth to get cavities so remind your child to brush all the way back into their mouth to reach those areas. It’s recommended for families to supervise children when they’re cleaning their teeth until they’re about 10 years old. 

In addition to brushing the teeth, it’s also essential that your child flosses every day. Flossing removes plaque and food in between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Without flossing, the plaque remains and can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease. For older children with braces or fixed retainers, they will need special types of floss products that are designed to get in between or around braces and retainers. 

Rinsing with mouthwash can help maintain your child’s dental health. However, it is not safe to use mouthwash until the child is 6 or 7 years old. Younger children may accidentally swallow it. Before your child starts using mouthwash, teach them how to rinse properly and warn them that mouthwash is never safe to swallow. It’s also best to buy mouthwash that is alcohol-free.  

Good oral hygiene practices are very crucial to protecting your children’s teeth. But diet is another key contributing factor for children’s dental health. Added sugar in candies, sweets, syrups, and sugary beverages can cause bacteria on your child’s teeth to grow and can lead to tooth decay. You’ll want to limit their consumption of added sugar and have them brush their teeth soon after consuming any of these items. The longer the residue stays in their mouth, the more damage it can cause. It is also important that your child maintains a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D, both of which are necessary to build strong teeth. 

When your child comes in for a well-check visit, we will always check in on their teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy. It is also important that your child keeps up with regular dental visits for routine cleaning and checkups. Having your child’s teeth monitored helps ensure that any potential problems like cavities are addressed early before they can worsen. Children should start visiting the dentist by age one. 

Instilling good dental habits in your children can foster long-term dental health success so that your child’s teeth can develop strong and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, please contact our office.  



Preparing Young Girls for Puberty and Menstruation

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Quick answer: For most girls, puberty begins between ages 8 and 13, often starting with breast buds and body hair. Menstruation usually begins about 2 to 3 years later, with the average first period in America around age 12. Talking openly and preparing your daughter in advance helps ease anxiety about these normal changes.

Puberty is the stage of life when your child’s body starts going through physical changes as it becomes sexually mature and capable of reproduction. For most girls, this is typically between the ages 8 and 13. The earliest sign you might see is the development of breast “buds,” which are tiny bumps under the nipple. Your child might start growing body hair as well, including pubic hair. Menstruation also begins about 2 or 3 years after the start of puberty. The average age in America for when girls get their first period is 12. As a parent, it’s important to talk to your child about the new changes they experience and to prepare them in advance. It’s likely your child will have questions and knowing how to answer common questions will make having these conversations easier.  Breast development can make young girls anxious, especially since usually one breast starts developing before the other, causing the sizes of the breasts to be different. Let your daughter know that this is completely normal to ease any potential fears. You may also want to help them find new clothes and a training bra that disguises their breast development if it will make her feel more comfortable and less self-conscious.   As your daughter starts growing body hair, she might show an interest in shaving and removing the hair. Keep in mind that this is a personal preference your child might have and it is not medically necessary. But if your child chooses to shave, it’s important to teach them how to do so safely. Without following precautions, shaving can cause cuts, razor burns, and irritation, leading to the risk of skin infection. Advise your daughter to always wet their skin first and apply lotion or gel. They should only apply light pressure when shaving and replace the razor or blade often. Razors should never be shared as that can cause an infection. There are electric shavers designed for girls that could be used as safer alternatives to traditional razors.  As girls approach their first period, they may experience vaginal discharge which is usually clear or white. This can occur 6 months to a year before menstruation begins and is a response to the increase of estrogen happening in the body. Let your daughter know that this is normal. She might have questions about periods and you’ll want to make her feel comfortable to talk about it. It’s especially helpful to let your daughter know what to expect before they get their period. Talk to them about using menstrual products like pads and tampons and good hygiene practices, such as changing the pad or tampon often. If your child expresses concern about menstrual cramps and discomfort, let them know about home remedies that can help such as using a hot water bottle or heating pad, as well as taking an over-the-counter painkiller.   Puberty brings about new changes for children as they make the transition into adulthood. And those changes can bring about uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety. By engaging in conversations with your child about puberty, you can make the navigation during this life stage easier for them. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or if you notice signs of early puberty (before age 8), call our office to talk to our pediatrician.    

Frequently asked questions

At what age does puberty start in girls?

For most girls, puberty typically begins between ages 8 and 13. The earliest sign is often the development of breast buds, tiny bumps under the nipple, along with growing body hair.

When do girls usually get their first period?

Menstruation typically begins about 2 to 3 years after the start of puberty. The average age for a first period in America is 12.

How can I help my daughter feel comfortable about body changes?

Talk to her in advance and reassure her that the changes are normal. For example, it is common for one breast to develop before the other. A training bra or new clothes can help her feel more comfortable if she is self-conscious.

Related reading: Mental Health and Emotional Development in Children and Teens, contact our office. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways.