And the survey says....

photo: YM

A recent survey of adults in the U.S. shows a knowledge gap when it comes to dental health. The survey, done for the Children’s Dental Health Project, asked 5 questions.

Among the findings, only 7% of adults correctly identified tooth decay as the most common chronic health condition affecting U.S. children and teens. Over 40% of adults felt they had little to no control over getting a cavity and only 18% stated that it was true that the bacteria that causes tooth decay can be transmitted from parents to their children.

While obesity and asthma are common childhood diseases tooth decay is more common, even though it is virtually completely preventable with regular oral hygiene and healthy diet. 

Additionally, 41% marked true that children’s teeth should be brushed starting at age 3 when in fact, baby teeth need to be cleaned from the time the first tooth emerges.

On a positive note, most of the adults surveyed recognized that the health of the mouth is important to the health of the rest of the body.

To view the survey visit the Children's Dental Health Project at: Survey reveals big gaps in the public's knowledge of dental health

				Survey reveals big gaps in the public's knowledge of den... As children’s and health organizations observe Children’s Dental Health Month, a newly released national survey conducted for the Children’s Dental Health Project (...
				View on www.cdhp.org	Preview by Yahoo

Food Rewards

A teacher uses lollipops as incentive for bringing in "box tops." An autistic child is given fruit chews for sitting quietly. A dad gives his toddler M&Ms for using the potty.

Food rewards are a tempting way to get compliance in children but food based reward systems, whether used at home or in school, contradict what children are being taught and negatively impact their health.

Sugar is known to contribute to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. When sweet treats are used as rewards it not only undermines overall health it teaches kids that rewarding themselves with unhealthy foods is a good, positive thing to do. This isn't to say never have treats. Treats as part of a holiday or celebration, like a birthday, serve to reinforce that treats should be for special occasions only. Keeping sugar to a minimum in the daily diet just makes good health sense.

The World Health Organization now recommends that adults have no more than 6 additional teaspoons of sugar a day. (This amount refers to sugars in processed foods and not sugars found in fresh fruits and milk.) One teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams. To calculate the number of teaspoons in a snack take the grams of sugar listed on the package and divide by 4.

Let's calculate the sugar from the above, real life, reward examples.

Lollipop (1) = 10 grams of sugar = 2.5 teaspoons

Fruit chews (.9 oz bag) = 11 grams of sugar = 2.75 teaspoons

M&Ms (1.69 oz) = 30 grams of sugar = 7.5 teaspoons

Good job!
 photo: Y. Mikalopas

These types of snacks are particularly bad for teeth as they stick to the teeth and are eaten over an extended period of time. (For more on how sugar causes cavities, read my posts: "Sugar - just say 'no'"  http://bit.ly/1MHrPlS and "Less is More" http://bit.ly/202djij)

If a reward for good behavior or achievement is necessary there are other good alternatives. Stickers, art supplies, or small toys may be used instead of food treats, as well as activities like reading, music, or activities of the child's choosing.

What do you think about using food rewards for kids? I welcome your comments.

For more ideas on rewarding kids without using food visit: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/Connecticut/Food_As_Reward.pdf

Additional source information: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition_insights_uploads/Insight52.pdf;

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2015/sugar-guideline/en/

This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or dental condition. If you need medical or dental treatment please see your doctor or dentist.