By Dr. Lisa Knowles, MDwise Director of Dental Programs
It’s back to school time, and it’s back to having after school snacks on hand. There are many snacks to choose from as you work to fill your kids’ bellies. Some are better than others, especially when it comes to the health of their teeth.
As a dentist, I can tell you many parents do not know how sugar can sneak into their kids’ diet. You would think fruit snacks are healthy because they contain fruit. However, the amount of real fruit in those kinds of snacks is small while the added sugar amounts are large. Sticky, chewy snacks can also lodge in between teeth and cause decay. Choose the real fruit whenever possible.
Liquid sugar can creep into mouths in the form of soda, juices, sports drinks or coffee drinks. The American Academy of Dental Pediatrics recommends no juice for children under two years, and two ounces of juice for two year-olds. Juice and sugared beverages can contain large amounts of both natural sugar and added sugar. Read the labels to check how many grams of sugar are in each serving or container. The World Health Organization recommends only 25 grams of sugar per day for adults, so even less for children. One can of root beer often has 40-50 grams of sugar!
Sugar, plus plaque on teeth causes cavities to form. If not noticed early enough, cavities can lead to a dental infection called an abscess. This hurts and needs to be treated immediately.
Be aware of what you have around your house to eat and drink. If healthy food choices are there, like fresh fruits and vegetables, kids will eat them. If chips and sodas are around, they will choose them over something healthier. Parents and guardians are the ones buying the foods and drinks for the home. Choose healthy!
Here are some more healthy snacks to consider this school year and beyond:
|
Drinks
|
Foods
|
|
Water
|
Peanut butter and apple slices
|
|
Flavored water with no added sugar
|
String cheese or cut up cheese cubes
|
|
White milk
|
Sliced pepperoni and mozzarella cheese slices
|
|
Sugar free beverages
|
Grapes and cherry tomatoes
|
Even the best intended choices can lead to dental problems. Schedule a dental check-up at least once a year to get teeth x-rayed and examined. Call a dentist today to have a ‘tooth exam’ this school year and hopefully you will ace the exam.
Important information on your dental coverage:
Good news! Effective January 1, 2025, your dental plan administrator changed from DentaQuest to Delta Dental Plan of Indiana.
What you need to do
- Check if your current dentist is in the Delta Dental network. Visit the Delta Dental website to view the Delta Dental Provider directory at providers4you.com/IndianaMedicaid
- If you need to find an in-network dentist, visit the Delta Dental Provider directory at the website listed above or call Delta Dental Customer Service at 1-800-356-1204 (TTY should dial 711).
- Any existing prior authorizations for dates of service after January 1, 2025, will be honored.
Sources:
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/14804/Weighing-in-on-fruit-juice-AAP-now-says-no-juice?autologincheck=redirected
https://www.who.int/news/item/04-03-2015-who-calls-on-countries-to-reduce-sugars-intake-among-adults-and-children