SUGAR SHOCK: LIMITING SUGAR INTAKE FOR SAKE OF ORAL HEALTH IS TOUGHER THAN IT SOUNDS

PARSIPPANY, NJ (August 5, 2003) – Most of us are aware that we need to limit children's intake of sugar for the sake of their teeth. The task is easier said than done because sugar shows up in some surprising places. During the school year, when young bodies rely on healthy foods to keep them alert and active in the classroom, parents are encouraged to be creative and offer lunch and snack options that are low in sugar, but high in taste.

When it comes to foods that are high in sugar content, candy, cakes and cookies are obvious offenders, but other sources aren't as well known. Carbohydrates found in certain cafeteria staples such as breads, pizza and nachos quickly break down into sugar and, as far as the mouth is concerned, can have an impact similar to sugary treats. Other seemingly healthy foods such as raisins and dried fruits spend more time in the mouth because they're sticky and hard to chew, leaving more time for sugars to do their damage.

"Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the human mouth. They cling to the surfaces of teeth and, if not removed, form a colorless, sticky film called plaque," said Dr. Scott Navarro, dental director, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey. "Cavity-causing organisms within the plaque feed on sugar and turn it into acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes decay."

Dr. Navarro recommends reading labels closely to understand just how much sugar children are putting into their mouths. Keep an eye out for ingredients like white or brown sugar, honey, molasses and syrups, as well as for ingredients with names like fructose, sucrose, glucose, corn syrup and maltose. All are various forms of sugar.

When packing snacks, consider healthy choices like cheese, yogurt, fruit and nuts. That way, if kids do choose a sugar or carbohydrate-rich lunch selection from the cafeteria menu, they're eating those foods in combination with something healthy, which is better than eating them alone. The body produces extra saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth.

"It's not realistic to banish sugar and carbohydrates from the diet, but understanding their sources and following a program of good oral hygiene can help counteract sugar's effects," said Dr. Navarro. "It's always a good idea to brush after meals and snacks at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and visit your dentist regularly. When a toothbrush isn't handy, kids can flush sugar from teeth by drinking a glass of water or chewing sugarless gum, particularly those with xylitol on the label."

Smart Lunch Equals Smart Students
A well-balanced lunch high in nutritional value and low in sugar, salt and fat is essential for maintaining more than just a healthy smile. Studies have identified several important ways proper nutrition can affect a child's education and overall school experience.

• Recent research shows that proper nutrition improves a child's peak academic performance, classroom attitude and behavior and overall cognitive development.
• Unhealthy diets increase the risk, frequency and severity of illness, which can contribute to the loss of valuable education time.
• Children with poor eating habits tend to be more anxious and unable to concentrate. They also may be less physically active, inquisitive, independent and interested in establishing social relationships.

Monitoring and reducing sugar intake doesn't have to mean compromising flavor. Many prepackaged snacks come in sugar-free varieties, which use low-calorie sweeteners to maintain their taste. These sweeteners are great substitutes because they don't promote tooth decay and still manage to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Keep Hydrated with Healthy Bites and Beverages
Gym class, recess and pop-quizzes mean kids' thirsty bodies and busy minds need hydration. But drinks and goods high in sugar and carbohydrates bog down energy levels rather than providing an additional boost. Following are a few healthy tips for quenching a thirst.

• Try 100 percent fruit juices and sugar-free lemonades instead of juices from concentrate or high-sugar soft drinks like cola and root beer, which can pack up to 50 total grams of sugar per serving.
• Pack extra water bottles to avoid last-minute vending machine visits for sodas and prepackaged, sugary drinks.
• Remember raw fruits and vegetables are relatively high in moisture and low in sugar.

When All Else Fails, Be Creative!
Skeptical parents say getting kids to eat healthy foods can be a challenge. Try these tips to make food fun and appealing:

• Use a cookie cutter on sandwiches made with whole wheat bread to create interesting shapes.
• Make raw fruits and veggies fun by cutting them into unique shapes and serving yogurt and whipped topping mixes or non-fat salad dressings for dipping.
• Get kids involves in selecting healthful foods at the grocery store; they'll be more excited about eating them if they've helped decide what to buy.
• Offer options. When handing out snacks, provide two or three healthy choices. Kids will feel like they have a say in what they eat, while parents can still control the options.
• Think of snacks as small meals that include two food groups, like yogurt and fruit or crackers and carrot sticks.

"There are many ways to get even the most finicky eaters on the right track for starting off a brand new school year with healthy eating habits," said Dr. Navarro.

Resource: Statement on the Link Between Nutrition and Cognitive Development in Children, 1998. Center on Hunger, Poverty and Nutrition Policy. Tufts University, Medford, MA.

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.