Now that summer is approaching, you may be preparing to stock the refrigerator with lots of cool, tasty beverages. As a parent, keeping your child hydrated and healthy is a top priority. This makes it important to choose drinks that hydrate without pumping your child full of excess sugar. Unfortunately, popular sports drinks and sodas contain between 34 and 77 ounces of sugar in a 20-ounce bottle. Avoid these cavity-causing beverages and try out some healthy, delicious alternatives.

Get Creative With Infused Water

Infused water is a popular choice for adults, but it makes a great beverage for children, too. Naturally flavored waters are tasty, but they omit the added sugars, caffeine, and chemicals found in other drinks. Try out the following ideas:

• Mandarin Oranges – Mandarin oranges give water a sweet yet subtle taste, making it a great substitute for fruit juices. If you use canned mandarin oranges, drain and rinse them to remove any syrup.

• Cucumber Slices – For a truly refreshing beverage, add a few cucumber slices to your child's water. Try adding a lemon wedge, lime wedge, or mint leaves for a bit more flavor.

• Berries – Berries are naturally sweet, tart, and tangy. Add a handful of your child's favorite berries into their water for a sweet summer drink.

You can buy infusion water bottles and pitchers to keep fruit and vegetable residue from getting into your water. This may be helpful if you have a picky kiddo on your hands.

Explore Your Herbal Tea Options

Pre-packaged iced tea and lemonade may taste yummy during hot summer days. Unfortunately, these drinks are filled with additives like sugars and dyes. Brew a pitcher of iced herbal tea to keep on hand for your children. Use tea bags or fresh tea leaves instead of powdered drink mixes. Some refreshing, kid-friendly flavors include:

• peach
• passionfruit
• orange
• raspberry
• cinnamon

Some children might find herbal tea a bit bland, but there is a quick fix for that. If your child has a sweet tooth, add a bit of honey or agave nectar while the tea is being prepared.

Beware Of Sugar-Free Labels

Last but not least, be wary of drinks that are promoted as "sugar-free" and ones that are advertised using similar phrasing. Consider sugar-free or diet soda as an example. Even though these beverages do not contain sugar, they are highly carbonated and contain dyes and acid. This can cause enamel erosion and tooth decay.

In addition to making wise beverage choices, make sure to schedule regular appointments with a pediatric dentist, such as those at Kenai Dental Clinic. Children need consistent care and routine examinations in order to keep their teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free. When you pick delicious drinks and follow up with your child's dentist, you can rest assured your kiddo will stay hydrated and healthy all summer long.