Originally published January 9 2006
Dental expert shares views on dental decay and childhood obesity
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Carole A. Palmer, EdD, RD, professor of general dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, discusses the relationship between obesity and dental decay in children, as well as food usage patterns associated with activities like watching television.
Sitting and snacking on treats in front of the television for several hours a day increases a child's risk of developing ...
In an article entitled, "Dental Caries and Obesity in Children: Different Problems, Related Causes," Palmer shares some insights about possible relationships between obesity and dental decay in children.
"When children watch a lot of TV, they tend to snack more frequently, particularly on foods that are high in fat and/or sugar," Palmer, also a professor at Tufts' Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, explains.
"It is the usage pattern of certain foods and beverages, not the total consumption, that is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay in children," Palmer explains.
"Many of the contributing factors are rooted in evolving changes in lifestyle and environment, including changes in physical activity and school food services," writes Palmer.
Palmer extends the comparison by noting that both childhood obesity and dental cavities are nearly twice as likely to affect Americans with lower income, those with less education, and those of specific ethnic groups.
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while prevalence of dental decay in permanent teeth decreased in the overall population between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, prevalence of decay in baby teeth among preschool-aged children (2-5 years) did not decline.
More than half of children from families with incomes below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) had tooth decay, compared to less than one third of those from families with incomes that were at least double the FPL.
"The dental team should be in the forefront in promoting good nutrition for general health and oral health by informing caregivers and parents about the importance of integrating healthful snack and meal patterns into their oral hygiene practices," Palmer concludes.
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