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Thunder Bay, ON
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Phone: (807) 625-5900
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April 2011
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Happy kids have healthy smiles!
April is Oral Health Month - so it's time to read between the lips! Did you know that poor oral health can affect more than your mouth? It can lead to an increased risk of diabetes and other diseases. Unhealthy teeth and gums can also be embarrassing and result in low self-esteem. Build healthy smiles by offering healthy foods and drinks, providing proper gear for sports and teaching good oral health habits.
Nourished Kids Active Kids Happy Kids
Baked Rice Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup raisins (optional: add only if
brushing is possible after eating)
Pinch of nutmeg
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. In an 8-cup casserole dish, combine milk
and eggs. Then, blend in rice, brown sugar
and raisins. Sprinkle nutmeg on top.
3. Place dish in a pan of hot water.
Bake for 75 minutes or until top is set,
stirring once after the first 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
Recipe from Suppertime Survival,
by registered dietitians, Lynn Roblin
and Bev Callaghan |
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- Beware of sticky foods. Even though foods like raisins and 100% fruit leathers are healthier options, they stick to the tooth surface and this can lead to cavities. Save sticky foods for a time when kids can brush right after.
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Limit the liquid candy. Soft drinks and other sweetened drinks have no nutritional value, and are often called "liquid candy". These drinks frequently replace healthier beverages like water, milk and 100% fruit juice. Unsweetened milk (and yogurt) are low in acid and sugar which means a lower risk of dental decay. Milk is also a good source of calcium, a building block to healthy teeth and bones.
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Go for colourful crunch. Crunchy vegetables cleanse and stimulate the gums. Be sure to pack them in school lunches since most kids won't be brushing after they eat. Not only that, veggies like carrots, broccoli, pumpkin and sweet potato are full of vitamin A - important for the formation of tooth enamel. Helpful Links:
- Learn more about how sugar impacts teeth and smart snacking with information from the Ontario Dental Association.
- Take a look at how poor oral health can affect more than just your mouth with facts from Health Canada.
BACK TO TOP
Get into a helmet habit. Helmets not only keep the head safe during impact, but also help protect the jaw and teeth from excess jarring. Choose the right helmet for the right sport, make sure it has a snug fit, and that the kids wear it properly.
Safeguard with a mouthguard. Mouthguards help protect against injuries to the teeth and areas in and around the mouth. Keep it clean using mild soap and a soft toothbrush; rinse with cold water or mouthwash before and after each use; store it in a ventilated, rigid container; keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Quench with water. Sports drinks are full of sugar and increase the risk of cavities. As well, they are made in adult doses and can provide children with too much potassium and sodium. Give kids a container of refreshing water to keep handy when they're being active. Helpful Links:
Discover everything you need to know about mouthguards with advice from Health Canada.
Learn how to choose the right helmet for the right sport and important safety tips on wearing a bike helmet.
Handle dental injuries with confidence with these tips from kidshealth.org.
BACK TO TOP
- Role model proper brushing and flossing. Children are wonderful imitators! There's nothing like a parent's example to teach them the way to healthy dental habits.
- Share your love, not your spoon. Cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred from your mouth to your child's. Resist the temptation to share utensils and toothbrushes.
- Get regular check-ups. A visit to a dental professional is important not only for cleanings, but also for spotting any serious problems early. Talk to your child ahead of time to help them feel comfortable about the visit and calm any fears.
- Question the candy reward. Candy is sometimes used to motivate kids to do something. Doing this regularly not only promotes cavities, but also poor eating habits. When you feel you must offer a reward, choose non-food items like stickers, pencils, etc. Encourage your child's school teachers to do the same.
Helpful links:
- Brush up on proper oral care habits with help from the Canadian Dental Association.
- Find out about the CINOT(Children in Need of Treatment) free dental care program offered by the Health Unit for children 17 and under who do not have dental benefits.
For more great tips and links visit:
SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY HEALTHY, HAPPY KIDS E-BULLETIN FOR SEASONAL,
LOW-COST, LOCAL TIPS AND RECIPES!
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Last Updated: 1/23/2012
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