Childhood Obesity and Oral Health

Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past two decades. The calorie-dense, fatty, salty diet eaten by American children, combined with the serious lack of physical activity means that 25% of kids under 10 years of age have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or some other contributor to heart disease. A new report has issued a stark warning that children's lives will be shorter than their parent's if this trend continues. While extreme calorie reduction is not advisable for children, a balanced diet of whole foods and reduced dietary fat is recommended. The biggest challenge is finding a way to make what's nutritious delicious enough to satisfy kids' craving for sweets.

"The truth is that children are consuming more sugar and fatty foods than ever before. We want to reverse the growth in childhood obesity," Former president Bill Clinton said in a talk before students, teachers and the press in Harlem.

The American Dental Association has long recognized the link between good oral health and sound nutrition. There is a growing concern among America's dentists that many of their patients are consuming record numbers of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snack foods. Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar or starch in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.

The foods we choose generally affect our overall health, including our teeth and gums. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines encourage consumers to limit intake of beverages and foods high in added sugars that may crowd out other health foods from the daily diet.

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults because they can wear out sooner.

Source: www.1st-obesity.info and www.ADA.org