How a Poor Diet Affects Children's Teeth

Good nutrition starts in the mouth. Saliva mixes with food to travel into the stomach for further digestion. Eating a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are naturally low in sugar and have abundant vitamins and minerals. Children that eat a poor diet such as potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are at risk for developing teeth problems.

Too Much Sugar

Potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are high in sugar and calories. The sugar content in these food stick to the surface of teeth. Bacteria feeds on the sugar and breaks down the enamel in teeth. Over time, cavities, gum disease and rotten teeth will develop. Replacing high sugar foods with low calorie sugars or decreasing the amount of high sugar foods will help prevent teeth complications.

Eating Too Much

Many children eat in front of the TV, computer, on the phone or while playing video games. When this happens, children become unaware of how much and how long they have eaten. As soon as 5 minutes after eating, if plaque isn't brushed away, bacteria starts to feed on food particles stuck in teeth; therefore eroding the enamel of teeth. If a child has been eating for prolonged period, this is detrimental to the teeth and body. Eating too much will cause weight gain.

• Remedy

 Consume More Calcium

A diet poor in calcium may lead to cracked, chipped and decayed teeth. Calcium is needed for developing strong bones and teeth. Strong teeth prevent cracking, chipping and decay from occurring. Calcium is found in dairy foods such as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt and the U.S. Department of Argiculture recommends 2 to 3 cups a day of low fat dairy. One cup of milk, 1 cup yogurt, and 1.5 oz. of cheese counts as a single serving size.

Fluoride

Fluoride is found naturally in some foods and beverages. This helps protect teeth against cavities and teeth decay. Flouride is often placed in community drinking water. The American Dietetic Association states fluoride is an important element for mineralized tissue and development of bone in teeth. The recommended dietary allowance is 3 to 4 mg daily.

References

• Diet and Dental Health
• The role of dietary calcium in bone health
• Inside the Pyramid: Low Fat Dairy
• Sources of Flouride

Junk food effects on children concentration

 How Healthy Eating Affects Children's Concentration

Research shows that healthy eating can improve children's concentration and help them do better in school, says pediatric behavioral nutritionist Janice Baranowski from Baylor University in Houston. Baranowski adds that getting the proper nutrients is especially important for young brains that are still growing and developing. Nutritionist Beth Reardon from Duke University's integrative medicine center in Durham, North Carolina, adds that research also suggests that certain foods may affect kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, either in a positive or a negative way.

Brain Development

The brain develops faster during early childhood than at any other period of life. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid in breast milk and some formulas, is believed to be crucial for brain development and may help brain cells work more efficiently, says Baranowski. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish may also help facilitate learning and reduce sleep and behavior problems that can interfere with concentration in older kids, according to a 1996 Purdue University study of boys ages 6 to 12 that was published in "Physiology and Behavior."

Breakfast Fuel

According to a 2005 University of Florida report published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," breakfast eaters may have improved memory and get better grades on tests compared to kids who skip breakfast. Children who don't eat breakfast also suffer from hunger due to lack of fuel to start the day. A University of Michigan study of elementary school children published in the July 2001 issue of "Pediatrics" found that the kids who didn't get enough to eat had significantly lower math scores and were more likely to repeat a grade than children who fueled up with a healthy breakfast.

Preventing Energy Dips

High amounts of sugar and fat can hurt children's concentration by causing energy dips. A heavy, fat-laden meal--like a fast-food burger and fries--slows alertness by sending blood from the brain to the tummy to help with digestion. Candy, cookies, cakes and other sugary foods can hinder concentration because sugar causes blood sugar to spike and then plunge, causing an energy crash. Too much sugar also contributes to childhood obesity, which can impair physical and mental health.

References

• Janice Baranowski, R.D., M.P.H.; Assistant Professor of Pediatric Behavioral Nutrition, Baylor University; Houston, Texas