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Snacking between meals puts children at risk of caries and obesity

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Snacking between meals puts children at risk of caries and obesity

Panthermedia

Child facing caries problem

Caries is one of the diseases of civilisation, along with obesity, affecting children. Research shows that snacking between meals (mainly sweets, biscuits and crisps) leads to oral cavity and weight problems in the youngest children. Sick teeth and extra weight are not only an aesthetic problem; if left untreated, they can result in serious health consequences. It is therefore important that a child's diet is balanced.

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A study of the eating habits of people struggling with obesity showed that more than 50% of energy comes from snacks.

Important! Shortening the time between meals and snacking on snacks turns them into another meal.

Snacks are usually sugar and animal fat (trans isomers and saturated fat) - products that contribute to obesity.

Caries and obesity - an epidemic among young children

In Poland, almost 96% of the population, including children, suffer from caries - already in pre-school children and in the first grade of primary school every second pupil is affected.

Important! Statistics from the Julia Squirrels Foundation show that 78% of children aged 7-12 have caries.

Just as common among children as dental caries is obesity. Worldwide statistics show that obesity affects 10% of children and adolescents.

Important! In Poland, 12% of the young population is affected by obesity.

Dental caries is a bacterial infectious disease. The reason for its development is improper oral hygiene, as well as a vitamin-poor and inadequate (e.g. sweets, products rich in carbohydrates) diet.

The main culprit responsible for excessive weight problems is unhealthy food and so-called snacks that accompany children throughout the day, including before bedtime.

Snacks, or "junk food", are mainly sugar and fat, and apart from tasting good, do not provide the body with any of the elements it needs.

Important! Crisps and sweets account for up to 27% of the daily calorie intake of children aged 12-18 years.

Caries and obesity - health problems

Deciduous teeth are more susceptible to decay - they have thin enamel and deep fissures where food debris builds up. Carious cavities in milk teeth increase the risk of bacteria transfer and caries development in erupting permanent teeth.

Carious lesions in the mouth are not only an aesthetic problem. Untreated caries can lead to:

  • to diseases (e.g. kidney, heart),
  • pulp infections and premature loss of deciduous teeth,
  • developmental bite disorders.

Diet-children, Effects-of-snacking, Snacks-and-their-effect-on-teeth-status-and-weight

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Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem either. The affliction affects:

  • on limiting developmental potential,
  • life opportunities,
  • reduces quality of life.

#STRONA#

Obesity is furthermore associated with disease:

  • hypertension,
  • type 2 diabetes (so-called adult-onset diabetes),
  • elevated cholesterol.

Important! Obesity at a young age makes it difficult to subsequently maintain a normal weight in adulthood.

Caries and obesity - the culprit of snacking

Snacking between meals is a common child habit. On average, a child reaches for snacks three times a day. Snacking has become part of the daily diet, it is the best way to quickly satisfy hunger. Snacks do not harm health when they complement a balanced diet. Unfortunately, usually what children eat between meals is far from healthy, resulting in weight and dental problems. The most common foods eaten as snacks are:

  • crisps,
  • chocolate bars,
  • sticks,
  • fruit yoghurts,
  • biscuits.

Important! Snacking between meals often turns into the most habitual overeating. The consumption of tasty snacks gets out of control.

Speaking of snacks, sweetened drinks should not be left out either. A daily serving of such a sweetened beverage (330 ml) represents an additional consumption of several kilograms of sugar over the course of a year.

Snacks can do no harm

Properly chosen snacks can play a useful role in the diet (a snack should not exceed 100 calories. This amount will satisfy hunger, but will not satiate the child so much that he or she no longer wants to eat lunch). To avoid products rich in sugar (glucose-fructose syrup) and hydrogenated vegetable fats, it is advisable to prepare tasty and, importantly, healthy snacks for your child (apple crisps, fruit rolls, broccoli croquettes or carrot biscuits, among others).

Important! Snacking between meals does not result in excess weight if the total calories supplied during the day do not exceed the daily requirement (adding up the snacks together with the main meals).

When caring for dental health, brush your teeth after eating or chew sugar-free chewing gum.