By Nicole Bushman, MPH, Encore Coordinator, Hult Center for Healthy Living
Oral health among children is an important health matter that can be often overlooked. Untreated dental pain is considered the leading cause as to why children miss school. Furthermore, it causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). According to the 2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Community Needs Assessment, children who suffer with chronic dental pain often have difficulty concentrating, poor self-image, impaired speech development, and problems completing schoolwork. Unfortunately, symptoms of chronic dental pain can mimic several other health conditions, and make a child appear tired, anxious, or depressed. Because these can be fairly common symptoms, parents and teachers often times overlook these symptoms, and do not correlate these signs to untreated dental pain.
A study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 16 percent of total calories consumed by children came from added sugars. Through this study, boys demonstrated a higher rate of sugar consumption at 16.3 percent, compared to girls, who consumed approximately 15.5 percent. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the majority of sugar calories were consumed at home, rather than outside of the home. Upholding diets that are high in sugar can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Added sugar calories are characteristically consumed through processed foods and beverages; however, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that more than 40 percent of calories consumed from added sugar came from beverages. When children consume one can of regular soda, they are ingesting approximately 33 grams, or about 7 teaspoons of sugar into their system. A diet that consists of excess sugar does not only increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, but it can also lead towards several oral health complications. When a child indulges in candy, soda, or other sugary drinks, the sugar begins to form plaque on and around the teeth. The bacteria in plaque mix with the sugars in food and beverages to produce acids, which will eat away at the tooth enamel. Over time, the risk of cavities and tooth decay increases significantly.
In order to maintain proper oral health practices, children and adults should brush their teeth at least two times every day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is recommended that individuals brush their teeth every morning, as well as every evening before they go to bed. It is extremely important for children to brush their teeth before going to bed in order to eliminate the built up food and sugars that collect during each day. In addition to brushing teeth, it is highly recommended that both children and adults floss their teeth once every day.
The Hult Center for Healthy Living is addressing this epidemic through providing a free dental health education outreach program called “Tooth or Consequences,” which specifically targets low-income students in Peoria and McLean Counties. This program teaches children in pre-k through first grade about proper brushing and flossing techniques. The students also learn about healthy foods, and the harmful effects of getting too much sugar. At the end of each program, every student receives a dental bag, which consists of a new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and an informational brochure for parents on sugar consumption. For more information, visit hulthealthy.org or call the Hult Center at 309-692-6650.
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