Page 44 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2014

children's oral health

O
ral 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 Pre-
vention). According to the 2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Commu-
nity 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 condi-
tions 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 dem-
onstrated 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 pro-
cessed foods and beverages; however, the National Health and Nutri-
tion 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 toward several oral health compli-
cations. 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 chil-
dren in pre-K through first grade about proper brushing and flossing
techniques. The students also learn about healthy foods and the harm-
ful effects on getting too much sugar. At the end of each program,
every student receives a dental bag, which consists of a new tooth-
brush, toothpaste, floss, and an informational brochure for parents
on sugar consumption. The Tooth or Consequences program has
reached 1,568 students in Peoria County, and anticipates reaching 850
students within McLean County by July 1, 2014.
A special thank you to David S. Kuban, DDS, who sponsored this arti-
cle. Dr. Kuban has a private dental practice and is located at 1424 Valle
Vista Boulevard in Pekin. For more information or to book your dental
appointment, call today at 309-347-4711. Be sure to catch Dr. Kubans
interview on the Healthy You radio show, airing on WPEO-AM 1020. Visit
www.heal thycel l smagazi ne.com/greater-peori a-metro-area-i l /
healthyyou-podcasts.
Photo credit: Purestock/Thinkstock
Rotting Away
Sugars Harmful Effects
By Nicole Johnson, MPH, Health Educator, Hult Center for Healthy Living