Most adults are aware of how nutrition affects their bodies, whether too much of a certain food can be unhealthy or how avoiding certain good food groups can disrupt ideal growth and development. Sometimes, people don’t realize how healthy foods impact every area of their life — including their teeth.
Also, it’s important that adults pass good habits on to their children. A healthy oral cavity is essential to chewing, eating, speaking, and for developing social success through the confidence of a gorgeous smile. It’s important for adults to tell their children that proper growth and development is a byproduct of sound health decisions. Many foods have a harmful effect on teeth and lead to tooth decay if they are abused.
For example, different types of milks and vegetables contain varying amounts of sugars can build up in the mouth and lead to decay. Simple things like looking at sugar amounts on nutrition labels for drinks and foods can make a world of difference. Being a good example may also influence children in a positive way, such as drinking water instead of soda and getting kids to follow those good, health-conscious patterns.
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released information on a website called MyPlate which described what a balanced diet should entail: fruits and vegetables, which should compose half a child’s diet per day; grains that include whole wheat bread and brown rice; low-fat or fat-free dairy foods; and lean proteins such as lean beef, fish, eggs, beans and legumes. Eating seafood qualifies, too.
Snacking habits also influence health. Timing, quality and quanitity of foods make a huge difference in the health of the teeth and oral tissues. Snacks before bed or at night when salivary flow is lower and less protective can be a prime cause of cavities. Also, consuming sugary drinks with food lowers their risk because the food will dilute the acid and sugar in such drinks.
Other tips which help include: putting only formula or milk in bottles; avoiding placing children in the crib with any type of bottle to sooth them as they may bathe their teeth all night, leading to risk of decay; a pacifier should not be put into an adult’s mouth prior to the baby’s as that can transfer cavity causing bacteria; children should drink out of a cup by their first birthday; and sweets should be substituted for nutritious snacks at meal time.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com
[email protected]
