DEVELOPING GOOD EATING HABITS AND PREVENTION OF
DENTAL CARIES
The adequacy of food in terms of nutrients not only depends on food
available to the children but also on the food environment and models set for
them by their peers, siblings, parents and other elders in the family.
Use of convenience foods by mothers and entry of fast foods have had a
great impact on the food preferences of children. Hence nutrition knowledge of
parents incorporated into meal planning is important in imparting positive
attitudes towards food. The environment at the eating place also affects the
nutrient intake while a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere is conducive to
good eating. Arguments and family fights while eating affects the food intake
adversely.
Advertising and television have a very strong influence on type of food
chosen by children. Exposure to these and catchy slogans like 'chocolate',
'yummy', 'rich' tempt children to go in for processed foods and distort their
liking and curiousity for natural flavour and colour of foods.
Tooth
decay can be caused by caries. This can occur in children who are susceptible
to and whose integrity of tooth structure may be affected by nutritional
deficiency. Vitamin A is necessary for enamel and Vitamin C is essential for
dentine. Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are needed for calcification.
Fluorine decreases susceptibility of caries. Fermentable carbohydrate which
adheres to the tooth is the major cause of tooth decay. The stickier the food
and longer it stays in the mouth the greater is the effect. Thorough cleaning
of mouth after each meal and developing the habit of brushing twice a day,
early morning and before bed, might prevent dental caries. Fig 5A. presents a
picture of dental caries.
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