My son is seven. and eats sweets and chocolates almost every day. His grandparents keep buying him soft drinks and confectionery. I have repeatedly explained the dangers of such indulgence but they take my words with a pinch of salt. Should I worry about my son’s teeth? – M.P, Chennai

Definitely. Children can experience tooth decay even as age three. Plaque can easily build up, and dental problems can start very early.

While persuading your parents or in-laws to see the error of their ways may be an uphill task, there are some steps you can take.
Educate your child. Show him videos and pictures to help him understand the consequences of unhealthy eating. Help him monitor himself by following guidelines such as, ‘Not more than one sweet a day, or one chocolate bar per week,’ etc. So when a doting elder gets him a bagful of sweets, he will have the self-control to thank him, eat one, and save the rest for later.

Another habit to encourage is brushing teeth every night, and every time after eating sweets. The need to brush after every sweet he eats, will discourage him from eating them. When food particles are brushed away immediately, there is far less opportunity for plaque to form and tooth decay.

Get your kids off sweets

Spend time together to research the ill effects of different types of sweets – hardboiled candy, chocolate, jellies, jujubes, Indian sweets, etc. Research the healthiest options.
• Substitute fruits, dates and raisins to satisfy your child’s craving for sweets.
• Use honey or date syrup instead of refined sugar with rotis or dosas, and cornflakes.
• If you get boxes of sweets or chocolates as gifts, encourage your child to share them with
   his friends.