SYNOPSIS
Excess added sugars, particularly in the form of sugar sweetened beverages, is a leading cause of tooth decay in U.S. children. While added sugar intake is rooted behavioral and social factors, few evidence-based, theory-driven sociobehavioral strategies are currently available to address added sugar intake. Dental health professionals are in a position to help identify and address problematic sugar-related behaviors in pediatric patients and advocate for broader upstream approaches including taxes, warning labels, and policy changes that can help to reduce added sugar intake, prevent tooth decay, and improve health outcomes in vulnerable child populations.