"Just" Baby Teeth?

“They’re just baby teeth and will eventually fall out. Why do we even have to worry about them?” I often get asked this question at check-ups and never feel like I can stress enough how important it is to take good care of those baby teeth.

Did you know that tooth decay in young children is THE most common chronic disease of early childhood? If left untreated tooth decay in children can lead to:

·         Pain,

·         Life threatening infections,

·         Difficulty chewing,

·         Malnutrition,

·         Trouble focusing in school,

·         Crooked adult teeth, and

·         Low self-esteem.

The good news is that most tooth decay and cavities are preventable!

What are cavities?

Cavities are holes in our teeth. They occur when three things mix together: bacteria, sugar (from the food that we eat) and teeth. If we don’t brush and floss regularly the bacteria and sugar build up and form a sticky substance called plaque. The bacteria gets nice and comfy in that plaque and turns the food that we eat into acid. Over time this acid wears down our teeth and a cavity (a hole!) grows.

Source: American Dental Association

Yikes! How can we prevent cavities?
Brush, floss, brush, floss, brush…you get the idea J Brushing your child’s teeth (and yours!) twice each day using a toothpaste with fluoride is the best way to prevent cavities.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

As soon as the first baby tooth erupts! Fluoride is important for baby teeth because it makes the enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. For children younger than three years old you will want to start out using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. This small amount has been shown to be safe for children. Once your child can spit the toothpaste out, usually around age three, you can start using a pea-sized amount.

Source: American Dental Association

My child grazes on snacks all day, how can I keep his chompers clean?
Offer your child meals and snacks that are low in sugar (carbohydrates). The bacteria in our mouths love sugar and turn it into acid that eats holes in our teeth. The more time sugar is on your child’s teeth, the more likely they are to get a cavity. This is good to know because HOW children eat can be just as important to their teeth as WHAT they eat. Children who graze on snacks throughout the day, or fall asleep with a cup of juice or milk at night, have their teeth swimming in sugars all the time. Here are some tips to curb the carbs: 

·         Opt for protein rich snacks like cheese, nuts and fresh vegetables.

·         Don’t offer snacks after brushing at night.

·         If your child is thirsty in between meals or during the night give them plain water.

What else can I do to protect my child’s pearly whites?

Visit a pediatric dentist! It is recommended to see a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth coming in, and no later than age one. Just as you would take your child to well child check-ups, it is important to take him or her to the dentist before a problem develops. This will create positive experiences at the dentist and a foundation of good oral health. Remember, they are not “just baby teeth” they are the building blocks for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Dr. Christopher Goodell

Lakeshore Pediatric Dentistry  

Food for Thought

Back to school can be a time of mixed emotions for most parents – happy to send kids off after a chaotic summer but sad to see their babies growing up. No matter how you are feeling about sending your kids back to school, one thing is for sure; healthy foods help students do their best in school, clubs and sports.

Children consume up to half of their meals in school and whether they are bringing a lunch from home or taking advantage of the wonderful school lunch programs, the meals should be packed with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

• Whole Grains make kids feel full longer. They help them stay alert and focused. Be sure to check the food labels for the word “whole”.

• Lean Protein foods are meat or meat alternatives like poultry, nut butters and legumes. Be sure they are low in fat and that you choose a variety.

• Fruits & Vegetables offer a great source of fiber in your child’s diet. Pack them extra fruits and veggies, that way they will reach for a healthy snack if they find themselves hungry during the day.

• Low-Fat Dairy provides an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D for growing bodies. Be sure you are offering low-fat or fat-free options including milk, yogurt and cheese.

In the North Country we have free or low-cost school lunch programs to take advantage of. School meals are not only convenient but are also packed with nutrients that kids need with a focus on low-sodium and low-fat options.  The best part? School lunch is tailored to your child’s needs! Portion sizes are based on your child’s age and developmental stage. You can also save time and simplify your family’s morning routine by taking advantage of the school breakfast programs.

Whether at home or at school healthier eating patterns have been linked to better academic performance. Explore www.choosemyplate.gov as a family to kick-start your school year the healthy way!

Molly Flynn, Senior Public Health Educator

Division of Health Planning and Promotion

Lead and Nutrition: What's the Connection?

All children need to be tested for lead at one year old and two years old.  Along with pediatricians, the Clinton County Health Department helps identify children who have lead poisoning.  When children have high lead levels I can teach families how to keep their homes clean of lead dust and what to eat to help decrease lead in the body. I can help you in person at your home or offer you information that can be mailed to you. Since it is National Nutrition Month, I have some information below that is helpful to keep you and your children healthy!

Did You Know

Eating a healthy diet could help prevent childhood lead poisoning?  A diet rich in calcium, iron, and Vitamin C, can help reduce the absorption of lead into the body.  Lead poisoning can cause learning, growth and behavioral problems in young children. Click here to find out the dietary recommendations for your child. 

This is How It Works

Lead dust is either inhaled, when it’s kicked-up into the air, or ingested, when objects contaminated with lead are put into the mouth.  Once lead gets into the blood stream it tricks the body into thinking it is calcium and gets absorbed into the bones, brain and nervous system. Lead is also absorbed into the body faster on an empty stomach or if the diet is high in fat.

Here’s What You Can Do

·         Identify and remove all sources of lead exposure.

·         Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating and before naps and bedtime.

·         Wash all fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating.

·          Eat four to six small meals or snacks throughout the day to keep your stomach full and reduce the body’s absorption of lead.

o    Foods high in calcium:  milk or milk products, green leafy vegetables, salmon, calcium-fortified foods like tofu, orange juice and soy milk.

o   Iron rich foods: lean red meat, eggs, fortified cereals, bread, pasta, dried fruit, beans and lentils.

o   Don’t forget your Vitamin C!  It is commonly found in citrus fruits such as cantaloupe, strawberries, mangos, and melons as well as in peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.

For more information call the Clinton County Health Department at 518-565-4848 and ask to speak to a Lead Poison Prevention Program Nurse or visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/leadpoisoning.

Noreen Wolansky, RN

Registered Professional Nurse