By Dr. Maxmillian Chambers, D.D.S.
Summer time could be a nice time to determine and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. As a dentist, I additionally emphasize the significance of limiting sugary drinks, which might considerably influence our kids’s total well being and well-being.
The hidden risks of sugar-sweetened drinks
Analysis exhibits that a good portion of the added sugars in our diets come from sugary drinks like common soda, fruit drinks, sports activities drinks, power drinks, sweetened teas and flavored coffees. Extra consumption of an excessive amount of sugar has been related to a rise in persistent situations and illnesses, together with kind 2 diabetes, coronary heart illness, and tooth decay.
A Los Angeles County-wide survey discovered that African American youngsters have twice the speed of sugary drink consumption in comparison with White and Asian youngsters. Untreated tooth decay can negatively have an effect on total well being and high quality of life. Lowering the consumption of sugary drinks is important for enhancing our kids’s oral well being and well-being, setting them up for more healthy, extra energetic summers.
Prioritizing oral well being this summer season
This summer season, let’s prioritize stepping up our oral well being sport in a couple of straightforward steps:
- Drink extra water: Improve water’s enchantment by including slices of fruits like lemons, berries, or cucumbers.
- Discover more healthy choices: Encourage your loved ones to substitute one sugary drink each day with a more healthy alternative, like glowing water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or selfmade iced natural tea.
- Promote wholesome consuming habits: Speak to your youngsters in regards to the significance of a balanced weight-reduction plan. Encourage them to decide on water, milk, or 100% fruit juice over sugar-sweetened drinks. Pack lunches and snacks that embody contemporary fruits, greens, and entire grains to advertise higher oral well being.
- Reinforce oral hygiene routine: Ensure that your little one brushes their enamel twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses each day. Think about using a timer to make sure they brush for the advisable two minutes. Additionally, keep in mind to schedule dental appointments earlier than the college 12 months begins!
The position of oldsters and caregivers
Dad and mom and caregivers play a vital position in shaping youngsters’s habits and behaviors. Integrating oral well being into our summer season actions will help put together them for a profitable and wholesome 12 months. Schedule a dental check-up in the present day as a result of good oral well being isn’t just about stopping cavities – it’s about ensuring our kids have the arrogance and luxury to give attention to their research and luxuriate in their college expertise to the fullest.
Go to UncoverHealthyHabits.com to be taught extra about more healthy drink decisions, together with Berry-Blasted Water or Cucumber Mint Breeze. Bear in mind, small adjustments, like limiting sugary drinks, add up over time and may positively have an effect on your loved ones’s well being.
As a CalFresh Champion Fellow, Dr. Chambers is devoted to selling oral well being and educating communities in regards to the influence of dietary and drink decisions on dental care. Dr. Chambers integrates oral well being with public well being initiatives to enhance vitamin and well being outcomes in underserved communities.