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GUIDANCE
to proper food
habit for your
Children Dr.
Manila Pradhan Children
are more susceptible to tooth decay and it is imperative that parents take
proper care of their kid’s food habit. The
question that might linger on every parents mind is what kind of food can
cause tooth decay? And the most common perception is that sweet sugary
substances are the only causative factor. Well it is important that we know
that not just candies but many different types of food can cause tooth
decay. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as foods that are
sticky like some fruits, biscuit, and potato chips are the major culprits.
Factors that cause tooth decay include the frequency in which the foods are
eaten, food that are chewed but not swallowed, and the time they remain as
particles in the mouth. Giving your child carbonated drink, or for that
matter fruit juices with high sugar concentrate can cause equal damage.
Carbonated drinks are not just culprits for tooth decay, but also for tooth
erosions. Soft drinks contain sticky sugars that bacteria in our mouths use
as an energy source. They break down into acids and adhere to tooth surfaces
causing tooth decay. Next time you decide to reward your kid with a bottle of soda or a fruit juice pack or fancy chocolates think twice. There are better things to reward them like a good movie or brain booster books or at least limit the sweet allowance to once every week. Encourage
your children to eat fruits and fresh vegetables. For a healthy snack, offer
a raw fruit, baby carrots or other vegetables, and plenty of water. If they
do eat between meals, they should brush their teeth always with fluoridated
toothpaste. It is OK to have sweet foods with meals, because saliva we
produce during meals will wash away the acids responsible for cavities. Calcium
is critical for strong and healthy teeth! Make sure your children get the
calcium they need every day. Children between 1 and 3 years old need 500 mg
calcium a day; children between 4 and 8 years old need 800 mg a day.
Remember, an 8-oz glass of milk has about 300 mg calcium! Cheese and yogurt
are also good sources. Bring
your children to the dentist as early as possible and don’t wait for the
child to complain of pain. After all a healthy diet and healthy oral hygiene
habits will keep that smile on you and your children! Dr.
Manila Pradhan, of Kumari
Dental Care, can be
contacted at: Tel: 4244236 or Email:kdc@info.com.np |
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