Back to School Basics for Healthy Kids
The school year has just begun here in northern
Nevada, and that brings all sorts of changes to the lives of kids and their
parents. School nights, homework, eating lunch and snacks at school. As
parents, we all want to see our children healthy, growing, and thriving in all
that they do. It is easy to forget the privilege and influence we have in our
children’s lives amidst the busyness of life.
As providers in the dental healthcare field, we
strongly believe that dental health is an essential component to overall health
and well-being. For our kids, if they have untreated dental problems, it is
nearly impossible for them to be healthy and thriving. Dental pain can cause
kids to miss school or have difficulty concentrating while they are at school.
It can also cause trouble speaking, chewing, and swallowing.
The good news—dental problems in kids are almost
entirely preventable. We can teach our
kids good dental health habits now and we will be giving them healthy habits
that last their entire lives.
Shop Smart
Diet plays a primary role in keeping kids’ teeth
healthy. Fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, and other proteins
such as lean meat are all essential for a complete and balanced diet. Soda,
excessive fruit juice, fruit snacks, and other sugary foods will eventually
cause dental problems and other health issues as well. The bottom line—buy healthy food for your
family, and save the soda and juice for special occasions like birthday
parties.
Form Good Habits
Back to school time is the perfect opportunity to get
back into healthy habits. As parents, we
know that our kids model our behavior, for better or worse. Enjoy the time with
your kids helping make their lunches the night before school. Brush teeth
together before going to work or school, and before bedtime. Turn off the television, go outside, play
sports together—your kids will thank you for spending quality time with them
and showing them healthy habits.