04/03/06

Tooth Decay in Young Children Increasing How often, when kids consume sugar as important to health as how much

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2006

Media contact:  Jennifer Starkey
800/877-1600, ext. 4802
e-mail: media@eatright.org

CHICAGO, March 20, 2006 – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children’s oral health, today emphasized that the frequency and duration of oral exposure to foods and drinks with large amounts of sugar should be given the same consideration as diet itself when it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities in children.

“Most parents know that they need to watch what their kids eat and make them brush regularly.  Unfortunately, many are not aware that letting kids sip on sugary drinks for hours or putting them to bed with a bottle of milk can be just as harmful,” says Dr. Phil Hunke for the AAPD. “These habits can expose teeth to sugar for hours at a time, increasing the risk of tooth decay.”

While fluoridation and improved oral hygiene have resulted in fewer cavities overall among Americans in recent years, cavities in young children are on the rise. According to an August 2005 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of cavities in children ages two to five increased 15.2 percent from 1988-1994 to
1999-2002, the only child and adolescent age group to exhibit increased tooth decay.

“Nutrition is a very important part of oral health,” says registered dietitian Rebecca S. Reeves, president of the American Dietetic Association. “Parents should encourage their children to enjoy a balanced variety of foods. Optimize kids’ health with snacks that are high in whole grains, such as pita bread or baked tortilla chips, and which include some protein like bean dip, peanut butter or yogurt. Space snacks far enough between meals so children’s appetites aren’t spoiled. With snacks as with meals, limit your children’s intake of added sugars.”

Kids Should Finish Sugary Foods and Drinks Right Away, Not Linger

Healthy eating and drinking not only plays an integral role in overall health, it can have a profound impact on oral hygiene. To keep the frequency and duration of sugar exposure in check, the AAPD offers these recommendations:

  • Fill sippy cups with water only. Children shouldn’t sip on sugary drinks or munch on sugary foods for extended periods of time. If you give your child beverages other than water, serve them in a can or glass and limit consumption time. If you do provide sugary drinks in sippy or other types of cups, instruct children to finish them quickly. Take away the cup after a reasonable amount of time.
  • Don’t let children go to sleep with bottles. Even milk can cause tooth decay. If you do put your child to sleep with a bottle, it should contain water only.
  • Limit candy. Sucking on candy is another way that kids can extend exposure to sugar. Limit sweets and the time it takes for kids to consume them, and make sure children brush afterward.
  • Brush after meals. Have your children maintain proper oral hygiene, including brushing after meals and snacks and daily flossing, to reduce the risk of cavities.

For more information about how to keep your children’s teeth healthy, visit www.aapd.org.

About the AAPD
Founded in 1947, the AAPD is the not-for-profit membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. The AAPD’s 6,400 members are primary care providers who also provide comprehensive specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. As advocates of children’s oral health, the AAPD works closely with legislators, professional associations and health care professionals to develop policies and guidelines, implement research opportunities in pediatric oral health, and educate pediatric dentists, health care providers and the public regarding pediatric oral health.  For further information, please visit AAPD’s Web site at www.aapd.org.

About the American Dietetic Association
With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
 


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