The Link: Dental Caries and Overweight Children
A sub-study from Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, on children’s diet, BMI and well-being has made a telling road map to dental health. It reviewed the eating behavior, BMI and dental health of 271 pre-school and primary school children in Sweden and compared the results with the prevalence of caries-causing microorganisms present in saliva. Those children who had higher amount of caries bacteria also had significantly higher BMI and worse eating habits. They consumed more sugar-rich foods and indulge in them more often. The link is now clear.
If eating habits are like so, it is not difficult to associate them with dental caries. However, weight gain along side of dental health is looking at it in a different perspective. The education of these kids about eating healthy and eating well must start early enough, from the home, in fact. This has to be supplemented with a school-based curriculum on nutrition and oral health.
In Sweden, where children are seen early by dentists, the chances of catching and correcting bad eating habits can be timely. Yet it still needs the collaboration of general dentistry, the child health care and schools. The concept of following recommended dietary guidelines – whole grain products, 400-500 grams of fruit and vegetables per day, fish two to three times a week, and a low intake of sugar and saturated fat – lead to better mental well-being. Proper food choices help a child’s good esteem of self which in turn leads to fewer emotional problems.
The effects were achieved regardless of socio-economic background, and regardless of the children’s weight. The study also furthered show that a good self-esteem can lead to healthier eating habits even 2 years later.
So how do you protect your child from becoming overweight? The researchers say that you can’t stop your child from over-eating or put them on a diet as it doesn’t work that way. Children between the age of 2-10 who were stopped from eating by their parents were generally overweight 5-6 years later. You must find other ways or compliment the method with other ways.
For example, you have to make decisions on what you eat at home as a family. You have to make healthy choices as kids generally do as you do. They follow what you do, not what you say.
Helping Children Cope in Lynnwood
Know from your Lynnwood dentist how better to manage your child’s over-eating and set his or her sights on the goal of better well-being. Proper oral care and regular visits are much a part of that goal.
