July brings more than just scorching heat to Louisiana—it’s also National Ice Cream Month. As temperatures soar past 90°F, many of us reach for this cool, creamy treat.
And we’re not alone. On average, Americans each eat about 20 pounds of ice cream every year. That’s roughly 4 gallons per person!
While ice cream offers a sweet escape from the summer swelter, it’s worth considering how this beloved treat affects our kids’ teeth.
Don’t worry—we’re not here to spoil the fun. Let’s look at how to balance the fun of ice cream with keeping those little smiles healthy.
The Sweet and Sour of Ice Cream
Ice cream isn’t just a tasty treat – it has some benefits for your kids’ teeth, but also some drawbacks. Let’s break it down:
On the plus side, most ice cream is made from milk, providing a decent amount of calcium, which is key for strong teeth and bones. Depending on the ingredients, some fruit-flavored ice creams might even sneak in small amounts of vitamins.
Now for the not-so-sweet news. Sugar is the big issue here. A half cup of vanilla ice cream contains about 14g of sugar. That’s nearly half the daily added sugar limit for kids over 2, as recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
And let’s not forget about toppings. Popular choices like caramel, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles pile on even more sugar.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream Responsibly
Limit Ice Cream to 1-2 Times a Week
Ice cream is a treat, not an everyday food. Aim to have it once or twice a week at most. This makes it more special, something your child can look forward to rather than expect every day.
Eat Ice Cream with Meals
When we eat full meals, our mouths produce more saliva. This extra saliva helps wash away sugar and food particles, giving teeth natural protection.
Choose Healthier Toppings or Skip Them
Toppings can double or triple the sugar content in ice cream. Whenever possible, enjoy it plain. For added flavor and crunch, consider fresh fruits or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These options enhance taste without adding extra sugar.
Brush Teeth or Rinse with Water After
After ice cream, either brush your child’s teeth or have them rinse their mouth with water to wash away some sugar. If brushing, wait 30 minutes.
Dental-Friendly Ice Cream Alternatives
Not all frozen treats are equally friendly to your child’s teeth. Here are some options that can satisfy the craving for ice cream without the sugar overload:
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt often has less sugar than regular ice cream. It also contains probiotics, which help balance the good bacteria in your mouth. Just watch out for those toppings, they can add up fast.
Homemade “Nice Cream”
This dairy-free, sugar-free option is another great alternative to ice cream. Simply freeze pieces of fruit (bananas work great) and blend them up.
The result? A creamy treat that looks and feels like ice cream, minus the added sugar. Plus, you can mix in other fruits for different flavors. It’s a fun kitchen project to do with the kids.
Read Also: Tips for Keeping Your Child Cavity-Free
Smile Bright This Ice Cream Season
National Ice Cream Month is here, and there’s no reason your kids can’t join in the fun. With a bit of know-how, you can balance those sweet treats with healthy teeth.
Remember, good dental habits are your best defense. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash (when age-appropriate) are your best tools. These habits help offset the effects of occasional sweets, including ice cream.
Summer’s also an ideal time for a dental check-up for your child. As your local pediatric dentist, Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family’s dental health.
We proudly serve patients in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Breaux Bridge, and surrounding areas. Ready to schedule a visit? Give us a call or request an appointment online.
Sources:
https://www.idfa.org/july-is-national-ice-cream-month
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/450193/nutrients