Sipping, Snacking and Tooth Decay

Many parents across the country will issue a common refrain at dinnertime tonight: ―You’d better eat that--it’s good for you!‖ There’s another old favorite in the parental arsenal of dietary admonitions: ―Don’t eat that—it’ll rot your teeth!‖ Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices -- from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It’s clear that junk foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. For example, in the U.S., on average, individuals consume approximately 50 gallons of sugary beverages per year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include ― grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar can also affect your overall health, such as becoming overweight/obese, or getting heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.

Reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay:

  • Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.

  • Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.

  • If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless- Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.

  • Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk.

  • Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. -

  • Schedule regular dental visits

Heating Safely in the Winter Months

The winter season can be an intimidating time. As the weather gets colder outside, the temperature inside your home also gets colder. Heating a home in the winter is important for you and your loved one’s health. However, there are safe practices to keep in mind when heating your home.

There are many methods to heating your home in the winter. You also have possible ways to save on costs to your utility bill in a pinch. The University of Minnesota notes that keeping your home heated to 68 degrees and dressing warmly is an effective way to help reduce your electricity bill. If taking this suggestion, be sure to keep plenty of loose fitting, heavy clothing options such as sweaters, blankets, and extra socks to add additional layers when needed.

When we think about heating, we must identify potential hazards. For example:

  • Do not use stoves for heat, stoves can overwork and cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Space heaters can help provide additional heat, but are temporary, try and find space heaters with auto-shut off mode and do not contain any glowing components

  • If using a generator, try and keep 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointing away from windows and doors

  • When using a fireplace, remember to inspect the chimney for any obstructions or creosote build up, which is a flammable byproduct

  • Avoid placing any objects near your furnace that could potentially start a fire

  • Extension cords are not designed to be a long-term solution, only use temporarily, and try and keep out of walking paths due to tripping hazard

If you want to learn more about staying safe while keeping warm this winter check out this website: https://extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/keep-your-home-warm-and-safe-winter

Check out more winter storm safety tips here: Be prepared for a winter storm (ready.gov)

If further assistance is needed, help may be possible. Check out the following resources for heating and electric bill assistance: Mercy Utility Resource List -- utility_and_rent_-_jefferson_county_17.pdf (mercy.net) Ameren Energy Assistance -- Energy Assistance - Ameren Missouri

About the Author:

Calem Parrish is the Public Health Advocate at the Health Department. Although he is new to the role, he has worked in the field of public health for 6 years. After earning his master's degree in Public Health from Indiana University, he worked on projects focused on environmental health, giving a diverse public health background for this position. He also appreciates conservation efforts and environmental protection. In his free time, Calem likes reading sci-fi, watching the Blues, and spending time with his dog, Lesley.

Staying Active in the Cold Weather

With winter feasts and holiday treats behind us, you may be searching for ideas to work off those extra calories. Whether you are wanting to lose weight, fulfill your resolution of working out, or just want to start a healthy habit, here are some tips for getting fit in winter months!

Don’t let the cold or limited daylight hours discourage you from reaching your goals! If you don’t have equipment at home or a gym membership that’s ok! Running, walking, or hiking are some great workout options for those that don’t have access to a lot of equipment. Whether you decide to workout from home, outdoors, or at the gym, here are some tips to keep you motivated and ready to meet your goals!

Dress in Warm Layers

Working out outdoors in the winter can be difficult without the right clothes. Invest in some warm workout clothes that you can layer on to take your workout outside. Dress in layers so that you can remove items if you get too warm. Start with a moisture-wicking shirt. The next layer should be something warm like wool or fleece. For the outer layer chose something that will block the cold wind. If you plan on doing an activity in the snow or the ground is wet, make sure your shoes are waterproof. Don’t forget other items like gloves or a hat!

Beat the Cold

If you’re someone that dislikes the cold it may be hard to even get out of bed in the morning. It can be even harder to find the motivation to get into workout clothes and begin your workout. Try placing your workout clothes someplace warm so they feel cozy on a chilly morning. You could also try sleeping in your workout clothes! That way you’re ready to go and your clothes are already warm. You could also opt into doing activities that will keep you nice and warm. Try finding a hot yoga class or a gym with a heated pool.

Get Motivated in the Dark

Winter also comes with the challenge of shorter days. For most people, it is dark in the morning before work and dark before clocking out. If the darkness dampens your motivation, try mixing it up. Take a long brisk walk during your lunch break to take in the sunshine! Try a workout in during the middle of the day on your days off. You could also try putting on your workout clothes right before your leave work. That way you are already ready for a workout and more likely to get active after you leave work. Try setting your alarm as a song that will get you out of bed. You’ll be less likely to hit snooze if you love your alarm song!

Be Mindful of Risks

Just like the heat, cold weather can come with health risks. Your warmup and stretching time should be doubled in the cold weather to avoid injury. Check the weather forecast before heading outside for a workout. Air temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit or days with extreme wind-chill can increase the risk of frostbite. Take a day off from your workout or workout indoors on days with extreme weather. Remember that staying hydrated in the cold weather is just as important as it is in the heat. Try and hydrate before, during and after your workout. The cold weather can also aggravate existing conditions like Raynaud’s disease, lung or heat disease, exercise-induced asthma, or lupus. Check with your primary care physician before working out outdoors in the cold weather.

For more information check out these websites!

  • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-active-outside-when-the-weather-gets-colder/

  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-wonders-of-winter-workouts

  • https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/fitness/easy-winter-exercise-tips-help-you-stay-fit/

Don’t want to brave the cold? Try an at home workout that doesn’t require any equipment!

  • https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/10-minute-no-equipment-total-body-workout/

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/at-home-workouts#beginner-routine

MCH Publicity Statement: This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #AOC18380095, and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC30623, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,107,084, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources.  This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.