Posts Tagged ‘heart disease’

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The Link: Cardio and Oral Health

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

The Link: Cardio and Oral HealthHolistic dentistry professionals know that overall health is intricately tied to oral health.  Several studies have linked heart disease and gum disease, showing that the same bacteria that infect the gums may also lead to cardiovascular disease.  With this in mind, dental professionals are increasingly urging patients to consider the “big picture” when it comes to overall health, and it means more than just brushing twice a day!

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is not a fad.  The idea that the mouth reflects the overall health of the body originated many years ago with Traditional Chinese Medicine.  You may explore these tooth-body connections right here on Assureasmile.com—simply visit our Meridian Tooth Chart to learn more about how the health of each individual tooth is often associated with the health of corresponding organs, glands, and other body systems!

 

Our Miami dental practice encourages patients to consider the ways in which everyday decisions impact overall health.  The Meridian Tooth Chart is one way to explore such relationships.  Another way is to keep up with the latest in holistic wellness research, studies, and news.  Of course, you may do that right here via the Miami Dentist Blog!  Simply Subscribe to our RSS Feed and you will be updated weekly with new wellness articles as they are published!

Oral Health Linked to Cardiovascular Health

The Miami Dentist Blog has covered the link between cardiovascular health and oral health in several different articles.  The bottom line:  the mouth serves as a gateway between the inside of the body and the outside world.  Bacteria enter the mouth each day, and most of the time our body effectively protects us from harm.  Sometimes, however, our oral defense system may fall into disrepair.  When this happens, bacteria may be free to enter the body and cause serious harm.  The easiest way for this to happen:  Through a mouth infected with gum disease.

 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when one of the following areas becomes infected:  alveolar bone (jawbone), periodontal fibers (the ligaments that attach teeth to the jawbone), cementum (calcified surface of the root of a tooth, or the gingival (gums).

 

Bacteria may make its way into the bloodstream after the gums are infected.  “Microbes found in the gums hit the bloodstream,” explains Dr. Winthrop Carter.  The Chairman of Periodontology at the Oregon Health and Science University goes on to explain “they go through the blood vessels, creating a response where the walls of the blood vessels thicken,” (i).  While there is still no strict evidence of a causal relationship, data suggests that those with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to develop Coronary artery disease.

Miami Dentist Recommends Running

Yes, brushing twice daily will help to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.  However, extending the life of your heart may be accomplished outside of the bathroom as well.  Running is just one all-natural and entirely free way to increase overall cardiovascular health.  Studies show that regular cardiovascular exercise, like walking or running, may lower blood pressure and help arteries maintain their natural elasticity.  What’s more, running may reduce stress and the corresponding need for sugary snacks that stress often produces.

 

Patients are urged to consult their health care professional prior to engaging in physical activity, however.  Afterwards, local Miami residents may join a Group Run hosted by Coconut Grove’s Tri Jungle.  Tri Jungle hosts group runs each Monday at 7pm!

Miami Dentistry:  Taking the Holistic Approach

Patients interested in taking the holistic approach to dentistry are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Assure a Smile Miami Dentist office.  Located adjacent to Baptist Hospital on Kendall Drive, the professionals at Assure a Smile are committed to delivering superior quality of service with an emphasis on patient education and overall health awareness.  New patients may contact Assure a Smile online or schedule an appointment via telephone at 305-274-0047!

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Research Links Oral Health with Obesity

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Research Links Obesity with Oral HealthHolistic dentistry has linked oral health with just about every physical and nonphysical part of the human body.  Now, British researchers have discovered a link between oral health and obesity.  The study examined periodontal pockets and body mass index (BMI), concluding that higher BMIs are correlated with deeper periodontal pockets.  This research evidences the need for overall wellness reflection when considering oral health.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Dr. Nigel Carter expressed his growing concern with oral health and obesity during the National Childhood Obesity week, stating “As almost 1 in 4 adults in the UK are classed as being obese, and gum disease is recognized as a major cause of tooth decay[…] there is definitely a case for doctors relaying information on how diet is directly affecting their oral health,” (i).

 

Dr. Nigel, current Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, supports the hallmark of holistic dentistry:  overall wellness is reflected through the mouth.  The human body is a complex and interconnected system that requires holistic attention from all medical professionals.  Doctors should better educate patients about nutrition and oral health, and dentists have a similar responsibility to explain the connection between oral health and overall wellness.

Miami Dentist Blog:  Holistic Wellness Articles

Our Miami dentist office has blogged about the importance of considering how oral health is tied to overall well being on numerous occasions.  The following articles explore this connection:

 

Why See a Holistic Dentist?:  This article contrasts traditional dentistry with the new holistic approach that a number of professionals are practicing.  Holistic dentistry seeks to identify the underlying causes for oral decay.  When it comes to dentistry, are you thinking holistically?

 

Miami Dentist Asks Patients About Heart Disease:  Are your teeth, gums, and heart connected?  You bet!  Join the Miami Dentist Blog for this exclusive on gum disease and heart disease.

 

What is Holistic Dentistry?:  The title says it all.  This article is a great overview of holistic dentistry for those who know very little on the subject.  A must-read!

A Miami Dentist and Twitter?

A great combination!  Follow the Dentist305 Twitter account for ongoing holistic health updates, new articles, and more!

 

(i) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230556.php

 

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Miami Dentistry News Update: Gum Disease May Cause Anemia

Monday, May 9th, 2011

miami-dentistry-news-gum-disease-may-cause-anemiaThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered the relationship between oral health and wellness extensively.  We’ve explored studies that previously have shown gum disease to increase risk of heart disease.  We’ve also discussed the importance of holistic stress management, and the ways it helps to strengthen immunity to disease and overall health.  Now, recent research shows a possible connection between gum disease and the blood disorder anemia.  It is alarming, providing yet another word of caution to patients who do not take care of their teeth and gums on a daily basis.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The dangerous nature of gum disease is in the news again.  This time, researchers in Britain say gum disease triggers chronic inflammation that may significantly contribute to decreased red blood cell count, or anemia.  The study has been published in the Journal of Periodontology at the end of this past April, reigniting interest in gum disease and its effect on the rest of the body.  Findings show that patients with chronic gum disease exhibit red blood cell counts significantly below normal levels (i).

 

Further investigation points an accusatory finger at inflammation, or swelling.  Gum tissues become swollen, and often times bloody, in response to the influx of bacteria caused by gum disease.  Inflammation of the gums causes a drop in erythropoietin production, a hormone primarily responsible for controlling red blood cell production (ii).  Red blood cell production decreases, leading to the development of anemia in individuals with gum disease.

Miami Dentist Cautions Patients to Get Proactive

Of course, the best way to avoid both chronic gum disease and the serious illnesses it can trigger is to get proactive!  No—we are not talking face wash here.  We are talking about actively taking care of your teeth and gums, rather than re-actively brushing harder after your dental exam uncovers a few cavities (Side note:  Never brush ‘hard.’  While tooth enamel is incredibly strong, your gums are not.)

 

Proper tooth and gum care include the following:

 

Proper nutrition: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to satiate hunger and help suppress your natural sweet tooth.  Eating fewer sugary foods means there’s less to clean off your teeth, a win-win in terms of overall wellness and proactive oral hygiene.

 

Regular brushing: Individuals should brush their teeth twice each day, at a minimum.  Some may find it beneficial to brush a third time at mid-day, cleaning food debris from the teeth and gums following lunch or late-afternoon snacks.

 

Flossing: This is perhaps the most underappreciated and under practiced of all oral hygiene acts.  Flossing extracts the food particles that regular brushing cannot.  Failing to do so prompts the growth of plaque, bacteria, tooth decay, and gum disease.  It’s a slippery slope, so be sure to floss daily!

Holistic Dentistry:  Looking at the Big Picture

Holistic dentistry is characterized by its belief in the interconnected nature of the human body.  The oral cavity in particular plays a vital role in the delivery of oxygen, water, and other nutrients to the rest of the body.  In this way, the health of tooth and gum tissues tells a story about the overall health of the body.  Signs of poor hygiene, stress, and destructive habits are reflected through the mouth.  Holistic dental professionals are highly educated in identifying and diagnosing such signs, arming them with knowledge to help patients regain control of their health.

 

Schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile and learn firsthand how a holistic dental exams differ from traditional check ups.  Take advantage of our New Patient Cleaning Special and receive a full TMJ scan, professional teeth cleaning, dental x-rays, digital photos, and a comprehensive one-on-one holistic wellness consultation.

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Dentistry News: Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-news-brushing-habits-heart-health Dentists in Miami have written many articles on gum disease, heart disease, and the link the two diseases share.  According to research, those with gum disease are place at higher risk of developing heart problems than are those without gum disease.  Now, it seems, the problem may start well before gum disease takes shape.  New research indicates that your habit of brushing may significantly affect your chances of developing serious heart disease.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is beginning to see some of the spotlight when it comes to new age medicine and research.  Bodies of evidence are mounting, indicating that each of our body systems is connected.  The role of the mind and the affect it has over physical health is just one example of this school of thought.  Another example is the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body.  The mouth is a gateway, providing easy entryway for disease and bacteria alike.  A new study from the University College London asserts that teeth brushing is an important piece of this equation, significantly lowering the chance of serious disease among those who brush their teeth regularly.

Miami Dentists Look at Oral Hygiene

If the mouth is the gateway through which bacteria and disease may enter the body, then oral hygiene is a critical factor in determining overall health.  Bad oral hygiene leads to many different health problems.  Most dental patients are aware of the most common:  cavities.  Cavities result from an excessive accumulation of plaque on the surface of teeth.  This plaque allows acid-producing bacteria to grow on the teeth, slowly eating away at the enamel of the tooth over time.  In this light, bacteria is one of the most harmful foreign agents that may enter the mouth.


Bacteria accumulation may cause more than cavities, however.  The 150th meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science declared a potential correlation between the bacteria that causes gum disease and the bacteria that causes heart disease.  The bacteria, according to research, seemed to be identical.  In other words, the same bacteria that causes gum disease may travel from the oral cavity to other major organs by way of the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses.  When the bacteria reach the heart, for example, it may cause swelling that contributes to artery blockage and heart disease.


This new research places added emphasis on the importance of sound oral hygiene.  Brushing and flossing are more than just ways to prevent cavities.  Keeping your mouth clean is proving to be instrumental in maintaining long term health and wellness.

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Perio Protect and Gum Disease

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

miami-dentist-perio-protect-gum-diseaseProper gum care starts at an early age.  Eating well, brushing, and flossing are all habits we’re smart to learn at a young age.  Sometimes, though, poor hygiene gets the better of us.  After some time, the accumulation of plaque can breed gum disease.  Have you noticed sharp pains in your gums?  This could be a sign that you need to see a Miami dentist soon.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our Valentine’s Invisalign Special is already generating buzz, but we nonetheless must turn our attention to a growing concern for many adults:  gum disease.  This disease affects a large population of Americans, leading to severely infected gums and tooth loss.  Moreover, a growing body of research links this disease with other serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease (i).

A Gum Disease Overview

Health professionals often refer to gum disease as periodontal disease.  This disease is bacterial, resulting from negligent tooth and gum care.  Most commonly, food particles that are left untouched form plaque between the teeth and along the gum line.  Once this plaque forms, swarms of bacteria breed, feeding on the plaque to grow and reproduce.  These bacteria do not stay on the surface, however.  They dive into the gums, affecting the roots of the teeth, spreading to the jawbone if left untreated.  Once bacteria forms and begins to infect the gums, patients may experience:

  1. Swelling of the gums, at or around the site of the infection.
  2. Bleeding of the gums around the gum line, usually noticeable when brushing.
  3. Sharp sensations of pain in the gums surrounding the affected area.
  4. Receding gums.
  5. An uncomfortable bite, signaling that teeth have separated from on another due to gum loss.

Perio Protect Treatment

Perio Protect is a system developed specifically to combat gum disease.  Over time, Perio Protect has the ability to reverse the signs of gum disease.  Depending on the severity of the condition, proper use of the Perio Protect system may fully restore gums to their natural condition.  Proper use of the system happens in two phases.


Phase one consists of a deep cleaning to remove existing plaque and tarter from the enamel of the tooth at the gum line.  The scope of a deep cleaning is much greater than that of a normal dental cleaning and is typically more time consuming.  It is well worth the time, however.  A deep cleaning has the potential to remove most of the plaque that accumulates and leads to gum disease.


Phase two marks the beginning of the Perio Protect portion of the treatment.  Your Miami dental professional will take impressions of your teeth and create a pair of custom mouth trays to fit securely around the teeth of your upper and lower jaw.  Once these trays are created, your dentist will prescribe a solution of antibacterial oxidants specifically formulated to combat your periodontal infection.  Clinical research indicates that the oxidative chemical structure of the Perio Protect prescription solution significantly reduces the biofilm on teeth (ii).


Translation:  This stuff works.


For more information on treating gum disease with the Perio Protect system, contact your local dentist in Miami today!


(i) http://www.perio.org/consumer/disease_facts.htm

(ii) http://www.perioprotect.com/research.asp

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Miami Dentist Asks Patients About Heart Disease

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

miami-dentist-asks-patients-about-heart-diseaseMiami dentist Ted Herrmann often asks patients:  Are your gums putting your heart at risk?  Not surprisingly, this question is often answered with confused looks and shoulder shrugs.  Not many Miami dental professionals are asking their patients this question, despite growing research that points to a serious connection between gum disease and heart disease.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry focuses on the ways in which the pieces of our body are connected.  From large organ systems to microscopic cells, holistic dentistry uses knowledge of these connections to develop a more complete understanding of both dentistry and overall health.  The idea is simple:  the better our understanding of the human body, the better we can take care of ourselves and prevent future problems.  This leads to a greater degree of patient education, an area where Assure a Smile differs from other Miami dental practices.  Our staff is comprised of holistic health professionals who identify patient problems along with their causal factors.


One of the most prevalent conditions among adults is gum disease, or gingivitis.  This condition affects an estimated 1 in 2 American adults, often going unnoticed and undiagnosed for many years.  This is alarming, as the American Association for the Advancement of Science has recently linked gum disease with heart disease.  University of Minnesota Professor Mark Herzberg presented these findings at the 150th meeting of the AAAS as a follow up to several studies conducted throughout the 1990s that suggested a link between the two diseases.  “Now we show a potential biological reason,” Professor Helzberg told the Association, referencing a common denominator for the two conditions:  bacteria.


In recent studies involving laboratory rabbits, the same bacteria that causes gum disease was shown to also cause inflammation in the arteries of test subjects.  In other words, the same bacteria that infects the gums and leads to gingivitis may in time travel the bloodstream and cause swelling in the heart and arteries.  This leads to the build up of plaque, swelling, and eventually coronary heart disease.


The question for dentists in Miami, then, is how can this be prevented?  Holistic dental professionals know to look at the cause of the problem:  bacteria.  Children and adults alike must brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gum line to prevent infection.  Preventing infection is the primary way to promote sound oral hygiene, as well as significantly decrease the chances of developing heart disease in the future.

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4 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

miami-dentist-4-ways-prevent-gum-diseaseSuffering with bleeding, puffy, or agitated gums is not normal.  In fact, these are 3 telltale signs of periodontal disease.  Known most commonly as gum disease, this condition causes chronic bad breath, a receding gum line, and eventually loss of teeth.  Take steps now, and you may be able to reverse this terrible condition under the supervision of a local dentist in Miami.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Gum disease is more common than you may think.  Alarmingly, this horrific condition affects nearly 85% of all Americans.  Signs of gums disease include puffy, bleeding, and agitated gums.  Agitation is most common after consuming food, when tiny particles are wedged between the molars of the upper and lower jaw.  Individuals may also notice blood in their saliva when brushing their teeth in the morning or at night.  Should you encounter any of these signs of infection, consult a Miami dentist immediately.  Additionally, consider the following 5 precautions in safeguarding against gum disease:


1) Brush and Floss Nightly—it takes only 48 hours for bacteria to infect the gums.  If you go to sleep with food particles in the nooks and crevices in your teeth, you give bacteria a winning chance of festering and infecting your gums.


2) Schedule regular dental cleanings—adults should schedule a dental cleaning about ever 4 months, and children every 6.  By visiting a dental professional regularly, you are able to stay on top of the development and removal of plaque from your teeth.


3) Choose Invisalign if you are getting braces—traditional metal braces have wires and brackets that are permanently cemented to the facades of the teeth.  This hardware can be difficult to clean, and may lead to increased bacteria and plaque cultivation.  When choosing braces, opt for a removable solution like Invisalign clear braces. Patients who use removable braces like Invisalign are better able to keep their teeth and gums clean.


4) Treat Problem Areas with Perio Protect—infected areas may be treated with medicated solutions like Perio Protect.  This system includes two custom made trays to fit the patient’s teeth and treat the gum line with prescription strength medication to slow and combat developing gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the most common and harmful oral infections among Americans.  When left untreated, gum disease can cause loss of teeth and has recently been linked with heart disease.  Should you experience signs of gum disease, particularly bloody saliva, consult a dentist in Miami immediately.  The Perio Protect system is just one effective means of treatment that is available through your local dental professional.

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A Heartfelt Plea For Mercury Filling Removal

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

miami-dentist-heartfelt-plea-safe-mercury-removalWhen it comes to mercury and your body, each major organ system is at risk.  The heart and cardiac system, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning from mercury.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Once the toxicity of mercury enters the bloodstream, it races through the blood and to each major organ.  The damage that inhaled mercury can cause is permanent and deadly, however, it can be avoided altogether.  Consulting a dentist about safe mercury filling removal is the best way to avoid developing extremely harmful health conditions.


Methyl mercury in Dental Amalgam

Dental amalgam is composed of silver, tin, and most noteworthy mercury.  It is important to realize that the mercury content of an amalgam (silver) filling is proportional to the amount of amalgam using in the filling.  In other words, larger fillings contain larger amounts of mercury.  Once in the mouth, the mercury is exposed to a good deal of pressure and heat.  The natural chewing motion of a person’s jaws, combined with anxious jaw clenching and teeth grinding, exert pressure on silver fillings.  When combined with the warmth of the human body and the oral cavity, this pressure gradually vaporizes the mercury content of amalgam fillings.  As the mercury is vaporized, it is intermittently inhaled at dangerous concentrations.

Mercury Exposure and the Cardiac System

As amalgams emit mercury vapor, it passes into the bloodstream.  Once in the bloodstream, the poisonous substance races throughout the body.  Once reaching the head, the mercury passes through the brain-blood barrier and collects in the brain, causing long term damage to the central nervous system (i).  Recent studies show that subjects with amalgam fillings also show “markedly higher blood pressure, lower hemoglobin levels, and lower percentages of red blood cells,” (ii).


Safe Mercury Filling Removal

The only way to prevent mercury from damaging the circulatory system, and other vital organs, is to limit exposure to it.  Safe mercury filling removal can rid the mouth of toxic amalgam fillings, thereby reducing the rate at which you are exposed to intense mercury vapor inhalation.  As a Miami dentist, I cannot understate the importance of replacing silver fillings with white fillings.  For more information on these procedures, please contact Assure a Smile today.


(i) http://tuberose.com/Mercury_and_the_Heart.html

(ii) see above.

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Treating Gum Disease with Perio Protect

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

treating-gum-disease-with-perio-protectDo you have bleeding, puffy, or otherwise agitated gums?  If so, you may be one of 85% of adults who have gum disease.  Gum disease can lead to receding gums, loss of teeth, chronic bad breath, and has recently been linked with heart disease.  Treating gum disease, however, can reverse the process and help both teeth and gums to become healthy again!


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, afflicts about 85% of adults.  This condition is not to be taken lightly; when untreated, gum disease may cause recession of the gums, loss of teeth, and even heart disease.  Gum disease effects one or more of the following periodontal tissues:


-Alveolar Bone, the bone that holds the teeth and gums in place

-Periodontal Ligaments, connects the teeth with the Alveolar Bone

-Cementum, a protective layer at the root of the bone

-Gingiva, the gums


Once one or more of the above tissues are affected, serious and proactive measures must be taken to remove the bacteria from your gums and prevent it from developing again.  Assure a Smile offers the PERIO PROTECT system for doing just that.


The first step in the Perio Protect treatment system is to have an in-depth cleaning of the teeth and gums.  This cleaning focuses on the debridement, or removal, of plaque, tarter, and bacteria from the sulcus, or periodontal pocket.  The sulcus is the region between the tooth and surrounding gum area.


Once plaque and bacteria have been removed, a set of custom Perio Protect trays is made.   These trays fit tightly around your teeth while also leaving a reservoir for a treatment solution that runs along the gum line.  This solution is tailored specifically for your treatment needs, and it consists mainly of oxidizing and oxygenating agents that reduce bacteria populations (i).


After your debridement cleaning, it is recommended you wear the Perio Protect trays and accompanying solution 2 to 3 times daily. When the trays are inserted, the reservoir effectively holds the treatment solution along the gum line and prevents bacteria populations from regenerating in the sulcus.  This allows your gums time to heal properly.


Habitual brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease.  However, once gum disease develops, brushing and flossing alone are not enough.  Treating periodontal disease requires a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums, followed by continual treatment of the area with a FDA approved, doctor prescribed solution.  As a Miami dentist, I recommend the Perio Protect system as a premier and fully customizable approach to treating gum disease.  The system works well from a holistic dentistry perspective as it works to restore each of the periodontal tissues through one convenient process.


(i) http://www.perioprotect.com/whatIs.asp

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Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

healthy-snack-ideas-for-kidsHealthy snacks for kids are a summer must!  Fresh fruit, plenty of water, and homemade treats can keep your child full, energetic, and cavity-free.  So, treat your children this summer with these delicious and nutritious snack recommendations from Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann

Children, perhaps more so than adults, need snacks.  The eating habits of a child typically mirror those of their caregiver, consisting of three daily meals:  breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  However, as most caregivers can attest, getting a child to clean their plate can be a challenge.


Anxiousness, coupled with a proportionately small stomach, make it difficult for children to sit down and eat an entire meal.  As a result, children may not receive enough calories each day.  This is very unhealthy for both children and adults because fewer calories means less energy and nutrients to fuel the body and protect it from foreign objects, like viruses and bacteria.  Preparing small, nutritious snacks will help children consume the calories they need for energy as well as the nutrients they need to stay healthy.


Heart Healthy Whole Grains

Whole grains are building blocks for a nutritious and filling snack.  Parents must take caution, though.  Most “whole grain” foods are made using only a small portion of actual whole grains.  In addition, whole grain cereals and snack bars are often over processed and rich in sugar.  The best whole grain snacks include oatmeal, topped with fresh blueberries, or a small portion of brown rice and vegetables.  While the portions may be small (two children sharing a single bowl of oatmeal, for example), the nutritious advantage is huge.  Whole grains are associated with a lessened risk of heart disease, and they are a fundamental source of energy!


Delicious Dairy Products

Dairy products make the perfect mid-day snack for children.  Foods like low fat cheese sticks, yogurt, and cottage cheese with fresh fruit offer two main nutritional benefits.  First, they are a good source of protein.  Second, they have moderate amounts of unsaturated fat.  Studies show that replacing ordinary fat with unsaturated fat, like that found in dairy products, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in your blood (i).  Although cholesterol worries are something we typically associate with adults, children too can benefit from eating foods that keep LDL levels low.


Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Organic fruits and vegetables make the best snacks for children.  Fruit is a good early morning snack because it is a good source of carbohydrates, water, and vitamins to sustain energy throughout the day.  Apples, peaches, grapes, oranges, and watermelon are all great choices.  When it comes to late afternoon snacks, though, vegetables are the way to go.  Vegetables contain fewer carbohydrates yet are rich in minerals.  Serving snacks like raw broccoli, carrots, sliced tomatoes, and celery can replenish a child’s nutrient levels without overfilling their stomachs before dinner.  To make things more fun, serve a low fat side to add some extra flavor to the vegetables.  Low fat ranch dip, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, light seasoning, or all natural organic peanut butter complement vegetables in a delicious way.  Also, dipping is fun!  The more fun a snack or meal is, the more likely a child is to eat the entire portion.


As a Miami dentist and nutritionist, I recommend parents serve two snacks to their children each day.  Healthy whole grains, dairy products, fruit, and raw vegetables are hands down the best snacks for kids.  They offer a moderate serving of calories, healthy fat, protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.  Holistic dentistry holds the view that overall health is reflected in the mouth; following these snack guidelines will keep your child’s body healthy, and their mouths cavity-free.


(i) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fat/NU00262

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