The eternal dilemma for many fathers and mothers
What can our children have as a snack? How can we know what is nutritive and healthy?
The basic components for a Healthy Breakfast are:
1.Milk: Milk helps children grow and be stronger. Children can take 2 to 4 dairy products a day depending on their age, although milk and yogurt are mostly recommended. We should also reduce those dairy products rich in saturated fat.
2.Cereals: These produce most energy. They can be delivered in a sandwich. Molded bread – and especially bread without edges – is a processed food and due to its nutritional profile, it is less recommended than traditional bread. In addition, if they have never taken integral carbohydrates it is advisable to get children used to these during the snack. In this way, cholesterol and triglyceride levels will be improved and the risk of diabetes is reduced.
3.Fruits: They should be consumed whole and raw, to make the most of their fiber, vitamins and minerals. Natural fruit juices are also recommended – although to a lesser extent than whole fruits due to their high sugar content – and it would be better to avoid packaged juices.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT ORAL HEALTH?
There are three fundamental reasons why it is important to educate children about Oral Health:
1.- Cavities and gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) are the most common oral diseases affecting schoolchildren.
2.- Cavities and gingivitis can affect even young children.
3.-Tooth decay and gingivitis can be prevented or controlled to a large extent by brushing with fluoride toothpaste (from the age of 6) and modifying dietary habits.
By promoting proper hygienic and dietary habits in children we can reduce tooth decay and gum disease:
1. Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste after each meal, and always at night before going to bed.
2. Reduce the frequency and amount of sugars in foods and beverages.
3. Visit the dentist twice a year to detect early signs of oral disease.
4.In occasions during the dental eruption of the minors it is usual to appear bleeding and gingival inflammation, it is important to go to the dentist and not to be alarmed.
Article by: Coordinator of Asisa Dental Almería
