By Dr. Marty Killeen, Wilerness Station Pediatric DentistryFebruary 17, 2022

Kids love their sugary drinks. Juice, chocolate milk and sports drinks are the most popular ones. When given the choice, most kids will pick a juice box over a glass of water.  But the sugars in these drinks can really add up. Give some thought to what drinks your child gets on a daily basis.  One juice box or juice pouch can have 6 teaspoons of sugar.

Encourage your family to drink more water.  Here are some tips:

• Drink tap water. Children like to do what adults do. Set a good example. 

• Offer tap water instead of drinks with sugar. It can take up to 10 times before a child’s taste buds decide if they like something. Don’t give up! Keep offering children tap water. 

• Keep a pitcher of flavored tap water in the refrigerator. Some children don’t like the taste of plain tap water. Try adding favorite cut-up fruits, vegetables, or fresh herbs to tap water. 

• Don’t keep drinks with sugar in the refrigerator. Keep pop (soda), fruit-flavored drinks, and other drinks with sugar out of the refrigerator. If children don’t see them, they are less likely to ask for them. 

• Offer tap water during the day. Give tap water to children during the day and when they are thirsty. Bring tap water with you when you and your child go out. Drinking water helps children stay healthy.

• Have your child pick out a new water bottle.  Just a new, fun water bottle will help them get excited to drink more water. 

 Dr. Marty Killeen is the owner of Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry. Their office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and "child-friendly" environment. As a pediatric dentist, his 2 years of additional training after dental school has prepared him for the unique dental needs of each child he serves. They focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Their office serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs in Lincoln, NE. You may contact Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry by calling 402-420-8020, checking them out on Facebook or their website.