The post-holiday stretch before the spring thaw in New England often feels bleak and gray, which can make celebrating Valentine’s Day all the sweeter. That said, traditional classroom candies pack a lot more sugar than you might think, which can spell trouble for young smiles.
As dental professionals and parents, the Arndt Dental team in Concord, NH has a few sugar-free (or less sugary) suggestions that are still sure to delight!
Read more: Sign Off on These Tooth-Friendly Valentine’s Day Classroom TreatsWhen Sweet Meets Sour
Delicious though they may be, unfortunately, many popular Valentine’s candies contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar. For example, a single serving of Hershey’s Kisses, listed as 7 pieces or 32 grams, has over 18 grams of sugar, including 16 grams of added sugars. Given that The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children 2-18 years have a maximum of 25 grams of sugar per day, these kisses add up quickly!
How about a single serving of 12 classic conversation hearts? We’re talking 13 grams of sugar.
As you can see, just a few of these Valentine’s favorites can nearly meet or exceed what many children should consume in a whole day.
Return to Sender: Cupid Can Deliver Cavities and Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, simply the result of prolonged sugar exposure and bacterial acid attacks, remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among U.S. children.
According to the CDC:
- About 50% of children aged 6–9 years have had cavities in baby or permanent teeth.
- Around 23% of children ages 2–5 have experienced dental caries in their primary teeth.
- Nearly one in five children ages 5–11 has untreated tooth decay.
Cavities are common, which is why monitoring and moderating the culprit (sugar!) is critical for kids’ long-term oral health.
Non-Candy Valentine’s that Still Feel Special
Instead of handing out sugary treats that linger on teeth and fuel decay, try these kid-approved alternatives:
- Activity packs, including stickers, tiny coloring sheets, or mini puzzles.
- Festive school supplies, such as heart-shaped erasers, colorful pencils, or themed bookmarks.
- Healthy snacks like fruit cups, pretzels, popcorn bags, or individual packs of cheese.
- Small toys are always a hit. Think colorful bouncy balls, mini games, or playful valentines with jokes and riddles.
These options deliver delight without prolonged sugar exposure, which helps kids enjoy the holiday and protect their smiles.
Skip the Sugar, Share the Love this Valentine’s Day
Choosing non-candy classroom treats keeps the fun in Valentine’s Day, while earning a seal of approval from dental professionals everywhere. Be sure routine dental cleanings are marked on your calendar as clearly as holidays and fun occasions like Valentine’s Day. Our team is devoted to keeping smiles sparkling year-round. Contact us today!