A Surprise to No One: Grandparents Spoil Kids With Sugary Treats

A study published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) finds that 72% of mothers report that grandparents indulge their grandchildren with sugary desserts and drinks. Conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University and the University of Michigan, the study included 126 participants, all mothers, who were interviewed over 2 years regarding grandparents’ behaviors surrounding cariogenic foods/drinks and the mothers’ responses to those behaviors. While 72% noted grandparents increased children’s access to sweet treats, only 51% of the mothers discussed the risk of consuming such goodies with grandparents. The ADA notes that the more exposure children have to sugary foods and drinks, the higher their risk for dental caries. Click here to read more.