Americans are fat. Obesity is associated with a slew health related problems and can increase your chances of developing heart disease, joint issues, diabetes, and various cancers. Those who think they know health effects of obesity related need to be aware that carrying excess weight is associated with oral health issues, especially for chubby children.
The Endocrine Society released a report at their annual meeting showing the case between childhood obesity and tooth decay. DentalPlan.com reports that analysts overseeing the case "association between unhealthy weight gain and poor dental care in 65 children between the ages 2 and 5." According to the site the results "showed that 28 percent of the children who had tooth decay also had an unhealthy body mass index."
For decades tooth decay has been a leading health issue among the nation's children, and the problem of obesity of the young is growing in leaps, bounds and pounds. "America's Health Rankings" have been studying the health patterns of the nation for 20 years, and over that time, American adults have gotten much bigger.
The average Joe now carries an extra 17.1 pounds while the average Jane is hauling an extra 15.4 pounds than their forefathers. If the trend continues, the group estimates that by 2018 "43 percent or 103 million American adults will be considered obese."
Weight gain is associated with a lack of physical activity as well as eating too much. Statistics have proven that parents are not managing the task well for themselves, and that failure is being passed down from generation to generation.
Unfortunately this trend is not just impacting the future for our children, it is also going to wreak havoc on the cost of both health and dental care. America's Health ranking estimated that the nation's annual tab for health care can grow to $344 billion by 2018 if the situation is not addressed properly.
Concerned parents should immediately take action to protect the physical and mental well being of those they love and care for. Some steps that can help decrease your child of getting obesity related tooth decay include:
Eat more Fruits and Vegetables: Sugary snacks and empty calorie treats should be replaced with the right foods. Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and nutrients not associated with processed snack foods. Additional by encouraging your kids to chomp on options with high fiber content (I.E. apples and carrots) can actually help reduce plaque build up.
Exercise: No battle of the bulge was won by sitting down. Talking an evening stroll with your child or even having an impromptu dance off are fun and free ways to burn calories and sneak in a bit of activity.
Brushing and Flossing: Children need to be taught the proper way to brush and floss their teeth as they are they most essential behaviors for fighting tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental Check Ups: If your kid has already started to stroll down the wrong path, then an affordable dental plan can help make treating dental problems fit into your household budget.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_David_Carlson
