Sand and Glitter

One mom's understanding of childhood development

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Let’s talk about teeth

Jun 11, 2016 by Hélène Serfontein Leave a Comment

Dr. Louisa Piek is a practicing dentist and mom of three children – ages 9, 7 and 5. She very kindly agreed to answer some questions about kids’ teeth and dental health for us all. The following very relevant information on tooth development and dental care for children was compiled and written by Dr. Piek.

At what age should my child visit the dentist for the first time?
The first dental visit is mostly about getting kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating parents about how to care for baby’s teeth. If your child has moved from the bottle to cup and doesn’t snack or drink in the middle of the night, you get a one-year pass, until age 2. When your child is between ages 4 and 6, expect your dentist to take a first set of X-rays to check for cavities lurking between the teeth.

At the age 1 dental visit the dentist will discuss the following with parents:
How to care for an infant’s or toddler’s mouth
Proper use of fluoride
Oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking
Ways to prevent accidents that could damage the face and teeth
Teething and milestones of development
The link between diet and oral health

After this first visit, the dentist will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. In the past, dentists typically called for visits every six months. Now, the schedule may vary according to each child’s needs and risks.

S&G-KidsTeeth

What influence do dental cavities have on my child’s development?
Failure to identify and prevent dental disease has significant and costly long-term negative effects. Tooth decay in children is painful, just as it is in adults. Unless treated in its early stages, dental decay becomes irreversible. Tooth decay, untreated, will lead to infection of the teeth, gums and tooth loss. Tooth decay compromises the child’s ability to eat well and sleep well. The unaesthetic appearance could also compromise the child’s self-esteem and social development.

Further, many children miss school as a result of tooth decay. Children with poor oral health were more likely to perform poorly in school due to pain, lack of sleep and days absent from school.

Stages of tooth development
The following chart shows when your child’s primary teeth (also called baby teeth or deciduous teeth) should erupt and fall out. Eruption times vary from child to child. As seen from the chart, the first teeth begin to break through the gums at about 6 months of age.

Usually, the first two teeth to erupt are the two bottom central incisors (the two bottom front teeth). Next, the top four front teeth emerge. After that, other teeth slowly begin to fill in, usually in pairs — one each side of the upper or lower jaw — until all 20 teeth (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw) have come in by the time the child is 2 ½ to 3 years old. The complete set of primary teeth is in the mouth from the age of 2 ½ to 3 years of age to 6 to 7 years of age.

Image via Shutterstock
Image via Shutterstock
Upper teeth When tooth emerges When tooth falls out
Central incisor (front tooth) 8 to 12 months 6 to 7 years
Lateral incisor (next to front) 9 to 13 months 7 to 8 years
Canine (eye tooth) 16 to 22 months 10 to 12 years
First molar 13 to 19 months 9 to 11 years
Second molar 25 to 33 months 10 to 12 years
Lower teeth
Second molar 23 to 31 months 10 to 12 years
First molar 14 to 18 months 9 to 11 years
Canine (cuspid) 17 to 23 months 9 to 12 years
Lateral incisor 10 to 16 months 7 to 8 years
Central Incisor 6 to 10 months 6 to 7 years

Dietary advice for parents
Tooth decay happens when plaque comes into contact with sugar in the mouth, causing acid to attack the teeth.
Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. To control the amount of sugar your child eats, read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages and choose options that are lowest in sugar. Common sources of sugar in the diet include soft drinks, sweets, cookies and pastries.
Limit the number of snacks your child eats. If they do snack, choose something that is healthy like fruit or vegetables or a piece of cheese. Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to teeth than eating lots of snacks throughout the day, because more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effects of acids, which can harm teeth and cause cavities.

Preschool, school age children and teenagers
Practical tips:
Foods
~Suggested snacks for in between meals are fruit, crisp raw vegetables, sandwiches, variety of breads, yogurt, cheese, plain popcorn and scones.
~Cereals such as porridge and shredded wheat are excellent energy providers, but avoid the sugarcoated types. In general, the sugar and salt content of breakfast cereals should be checked as some breakfast cereals are high in one or the other or both.
Drinks
~Milk and water are suitable to drink between meals.
~Pure juices, fruit squashes and smoothies should be consumed only at meal times.
~Drinks containing added sugars, including probiotic and yogurt type drinks, should be consumed only at meal times.
~Regular intake of carbonated drinks, including sparkling water, can lead to enamel erosion of the teeth and should be avoided.

Tooth brushing advice
Toothpaste tips
~Start brushing your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first baby tooth breaks through (usually at around six months, but it can be earlier or later). It’s important to use a fluoride paste, as this helps to prevent and control tooth decay.
~There’s no need to buy special “children’s toothpaste” brands. In fact, some of them don’t have enough fluoride in them to help prevent tooth decay.
~Children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350-1,500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. Check the toothpaste packet if you’re not sure, or ask your dentist.
~Children under the age of six who don’t have tooth decay can use a lower-strength toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000 ppm fluoride.
~Make sure children don’t eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.
~Below the age of three years, children should use just a smear of toothpaste.
~Children aged three to six should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste.

S&G-ToothBrush

Tooth brushing tips
~Brush your child’s teeth for about two minutes twice a day: Once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day.
~Encourage them to spit out excess toothpaste, but not to rinse with lots of water. Rinsing with water after tooth brushing will wash away the fluoride and make it less effective.
~Supervise tooth brushing until your child is seven or eight years old, either by brushing their teeth yourself or, if they brush their own teeth, by watching how they do it. From the age of seven or eight, they should be able to brush their own teeth, but it’s still a good idea to watch them now and again to make sure they brush properly and for about two minutes.

How to help children brush their teeth properly
~Guide your child’s hand so they can feel the correct movement.
~Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth.
~Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about two minutes.
~Don’t let children run around with a toothbrush in their mouth, as they may have an accident and hurt themselves.

Finally: It is a very good idea to discuss preventative dental treatment options with your dentist. Fissure sealants are often placed on the first adult molars at between ages 6-8. These sealants can prevent decay. Your own dentist can give you good advice here.

Sand & Glitter would like to thank Dr. Louisa Piek for taking time out of her busy schedule to provide this very helpful information. Knowledge empowers parents.


WITH SPECIAL THANKS FOR LINKS

www.colgate.com

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-your-childs-teeth

http://www.dentalhealth.ie/

See also: https://momlovesbest.com/dental-health-kids

10 Super eye foods for kids

Dec 23, 2015 by Hélène Serfontein Leave a Comment

We all know the saying: ‘You are what you eat.’ We now know that all sorts of physical, emotional and health problems could and should also be addressed nutritionally. Research has shown that the nutritional value of the following foods have certain benefits pertaining to vision.

1 – Salmon

Who ate the salmon? Salmon has an unusually high omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 cannot be manufactured in the body. It has to be consumed in the form of fish, oils, nuts and other sources. Omega-3 has natural anti-inflammatory effects and may enhance mood and brain function (IQ). Omega-3, together with Vitamin A, has a positive effect on chronic dry eye. This study demonstrated that oral consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a decrease in the rate of tear evaporation, an improvement in dry eye symptoms, and an increase in tear secretion.

Salmon contaminants are being addressed worldwide to bring healthy fish straight to the table. The Norwegian government has gone to great lengths to seemingly successfully improve the health standards of their farmed salmon industry. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon seems to be a favoured choice, as it is naturally low in contaminants. South African non-purists mostly eat the salmon that we find in the shops – Woolies has some nice oak-smoked and honeyed versions.

2 – Eggs

Eggs are a wonderful source of very affordable protein as they contain mostly all of the essential amino acids that the body needs daily. Proteins are essential for vitamin A absorption in the body. See The importance of vitamin A for the links between vitamin A, iron and protein.

Eggs contain two significant nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two major carotenoids found as colour pigments in the human eye. Lutein is synthesized only by plants and zeaxanthin by plants and some micro-organisms. Both act to moderate light energy in plants during photosynthesis. Lutein is found in egg yolks and animal fats and gives it the yellow colour. The human retina accumulates lutein and zeaxanthin. Both lutein and zeaxanthin have light-absorbing properties and supposedly work to filter harmful blue light in the eye and prevent the production of free radicals.

Eggs contain vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Egg yolks are one of the few foods naturally containing vitamin D. Eggs also contain calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

3 – Lamb or beef

Both these meats contain high concentrations of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Zinc appears to play an integral role in normal eye function (Zinc and the eye). Vitamin A needs iron and proteins to be properly utilized in the body.

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods, such as beef, lamb, chicken, fish and eggs. This vitamin is important for normal growth and development in children as well as healthy functioning of the immune and nervous systems in the body. A vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown to cause optic neuropathy in selective eaters with autism.

4 – Bell peppers

Red sweet peppers or bell peppers have a very high Vitamin A content; in excess of 3000 IU per 100 gram serving. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin in good quantities.

5 – Blueberries

Blueberries have relatively high concentrations of vitamin K and choline. Choline is interrelated with vitamin B12. A B12 deficiency would likely increase the demand for choline as well. Choline is an essential nutrient for humans and is necessary for the normal function of all cells. It is important for the brain development of a fetus.

Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins. These have a free radical scavenging ability in the body. Anthocyanins may improve eyesight in various ways:  They have been shown to act as a ‘sunscreen’, protecting cells from light damage. They temporarily affect the eye’s ability to adapt from light to dark. During World War II, apparently Royal Air Force pilots were encouraged to eat bilberries (the wild European form of blueberries) to improve their night vision. Studies exist to show improvement in retinopathy and weak eyesight (eye fatigue) after administration of some form of anthocyanins.

6 – Apricots

Apricots are rich in anti-oxidants, carotenoids and choline. They have a fairly high vitamin A content. Carotenoids may absorb blue and near-ultraviolet light to protect the macula of the retina. Apricots also contain catechins – very potent anti-inflammatory nutrients, as well as iron, magnesium and zinc.
It has been said that apricots may help strengthen the optic nerve.

7 – Dark chocolate

This sweet treat is chock-full of vital nutrients and has some amazing benefits. Good dark chocolate contains zinc, iron, magnesium, copper and vitamins A and K, as well as vitamin B12. Vitamins A and K are fat-soluble. This means that suspended in dark chocolate, they are already in a form that is easily absorbed in the body. Dark chocolate also contains phosphorus for strong bone and teeth formation and selenium, which is helpful for cognitive function.

8 – Melons

Also known as cantaloupe, melons have an interesting nutrient diversity. Melons contain a high concentration of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. They have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids. Melons may improve insulin and blood sugar metabolism. 100 Grams of melon has an excess of 3000 IU of vitamin A. They contain a fair amount of vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin, copper, iron, zinc, and folates.

9 – Plums

Plums are a good source of vitamin K, choline, anthocyanins, lutein, zeaxanthin, and minerals like potassium, fluoride and iron. Yellow plums contain Vitamin A and beta-carotene.

10 – Pumpkin

Pumpkins contain zinc, iron, folates, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin A, among other nutrients. Pumpkin boasts these health benefits. It is one of the veggies that children eat more readily. I want to include a pumpkin recipe that is a big hit with most kids. This is a South African classic. Many people here know some version thereof:

Pumpkin Flapjack Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Cup of cooked pumpkin
1 Cup of flour
½ Teaspoon of baking powder
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon of butter
¼ Teaspoon of salt
1 Teaspoon of sugar
Cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle flavour on top

Method:
Mix the dry ingredients together.
Add pumpkin and stir well.
Beat the egg into the mixture.
Melt the butter and add. Mix well.
If the batter is not soft enough, add a splash of milk.
Bake in a pan over medium heat until golden.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Enjoy!

 


USEFUL LINKS

The influence of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance 

What is choline?

Vitamin A and Retinitis pigmentosa

 

 

 

Why Epsom salt baths?

Nov 5, 2015 by Hélène Serfontein 4 Comments

Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate (or sulfate). They dissolve easily in water and are readily absorbed through the skin. Taking a bath with Epsom salts is an easy way to supplement the body, and relatively harmless. Epsom salt baths are used to calm and soothe the body and mind, help detoxify neurodevelopmental toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals, and to supplement the system with magnesium and sulphates. Sulphates are formed with sulphur (sulfur) and oxygen and can be readily used in the body.

Toddlers with limited palates might not ingest enough of either magnesium or sulphur. Magnesium is found in dark leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, avocados, dried fruit, bananas and such. Sulphur is found in cruciferous vegetables and protein-rich foods.

Magnesium is the most critical element in the body. Sufficient magnesium ensures optimal emotional and physical health. It is responsible for electrical stability of cells, by affecting the flow of ions through cell membranes.

A magnesium deficiency may be related to more diseases than any other element. Only 1% of magnesium is stored in the blood, so a lack does not show up in a blood test. This means magnesium deficiency often goes undiagnosed and unrecognized. Magnesium needs B vitamins to be properly utilized.

The main symptom of even slight lack of magnesium is hyperirritability. Deficient people may become highly strung and aggressive or depressed. Deficiency may be linked to mood disorders and tantrums. A lack of magnesium is linked to tooth decay and poor bone development.

A magnesium deficiency may contribute to ADHD behaviours, anxiety and nystagmus.

Magnesium affects sensory processing. Low levels may cause sensitivity to noise and tantrums, or in the extreme, seizures. Deficiency causes a hyperness or excess of movement in children.

Stimming is a characteristic on the autism spectrum. Stimming is the repetition of movements or sounds, or the repetitive movement of objects. It is viewed as a way in which autistic children can self-regulate. They use it to calm themselves down or stimulate activity. Another possible reason for stimming has to do with sensory processing. This behaviour is viewed as a protective response to sensory overload, or too much stimuli. Both magnesium and sulphate deficiencies can mimic stimming behaviours in healthy children. 

Magnesium and calcium compete for absorption in the body. Children who drink too much milk may present with magnesium deficiency. Similarly, too much magnesium in the system may create a calcium shortage.

Post-pregnant moms and moms who enjoy their wine might have a magnesium deficiency. Pregnancy can deplete magnesium; so can alcohol.

Sulphur is the third most prolific element in the body. It is vital to digestion and eliminating toxins from the system. Sulphates bind with toxins in the liver through the process of sulphation. Sulphates bind with artificial food colourings, steroid hormones and certain drugs and phenols to make them water-soluble for excretion.

In the body sulphur is either oxidized into sulphates, or excess sulphur is stored as glutathione. Many autistic children are genetically deficient in their ability to produce glutathione, which is the body’s most potent anti-oxidant, produced in the brain. Glutathione keeps all other anti-oxidants performing at their best levels. It binds with toxic metals such as mercury and lead, drugs such as paracetamol, penicillin and alcohol in phase 2 of the normal liver detoxification process. This makes them into water-soluble compounds that can be excreted in the urine or bile.

Studies have shown that autistic children generally have low sulphate levels. This may be due to inadequate supply of sulphates, or inability to convert sulphur and other compounds into sulphates.

To boost sulphates: Limit phenols, artificial flavour, colourings, preservatives; or present more sulphates.

In summary: Magnesium may help to calm down over-active, sensory sensitive children. It may help with self-regulation and to stabilize moods. Sulphates help to cleanse the system of metals and artificial food additives.

image

How to make an Epsom salt bath:

  • Fill the bath.
  • Add a sprinkling of bicarbonate of soda. This helps neutralize the chemicals and chlorine in the bath water.
  • Stir in some Epsom salts. To test sensitivity in the first bath, one tablespoon is a good start. According to the literature an adult can use up to two cup fulls per bath. Children can use up to one cup. I use 100 grams. The amount depends on the amount of water and the ages and sizes of the children.
  • A soak should be at least 12 minutes long for salts to be absorbed through the skin in sufficient quantities.
  • Magnesium has a time-release effect: If you don’t rinse it off, you will keep benefiting even after the bath.
  • Do a bath once or twice a week.
  • Take this bath in the evening, as magnesium calms and soothes the body and mind.
  • Do not use soap or bubble bath.
  • Drink water afterwards to help eliminate any toxins.

Always consult your doctor or physician before starting supplementation.

 


 

WITH THANKS FOR HELPFUL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Epsom salt bath absorption study

Magnesium deficiency: Possible symptoms and causes

Phase 2 of normal liver detoxification process explained

Sulphates and the brain (autism links)

Stimming and hyperness possible link

Epsom salts and autism


Propolis: Natural alternative to antibiotics?

Oct 15, 2015 by Hélène Serfontein Leave a Comment

Honeybees produce a greenish-brown resinous substance called propolis. It is used as a coating for beehives, to strengthen the cells – much like a type of cement. Propolis also acts like a protective barrier against invasion from parasites in the hive. It inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. The bees collect this resinous mixture from conifers, evergreens and the buds of trees. Much like honey, the composition of propolis vary greatly in different regions and climates. This makes conclusive study of propolis more difficult.

The healing properties of propolis include these effects:

  • Antibiotic – infections caused by bacteria
  • Antiviral – colds and flu
  • Antifungal
  • Antitumour – cancer fighting properties
  • Treatment of minor burns
  • The possible topical treatment of cold sores
  • The use as a dental sealant is being investigated

There is good reason for trying to avoid antibiotics where possible. One concern with the overprescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics is that drug-resistant strains of bacteria are being produced. This breeds superbugs that are very hard to get rid of. The other possible negative side-effects of antibiotics are mostly gastro-intestinal: Diarrhoea, bloating and indigestion, abdominal pain, feeling or being sick and loss of appetite. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can be potentially life-threatening.

Antibiotics kill some of the good bacteria living in the digestive tract. These millions of micro-organisms populating the intestines are considered to be an organ within an organ. This gut flora composition is unique to every individual. It is influenced by events like the birth process; baby’s diet, levels of hygiene and medication. Gut flora play a role in the immune system. Genetic predisposition and interference with gut flora can lead to inflammatory bowel conditions and non-optimal health. Toddlers can contract a protracted toddler’s diarrhoea when the gut flora balance is disturbed.

Interestingly enough, imbalance of the gut flora also affects the brain. Gut flora aids in serotonin production. Serotonin is the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter. Lack of serotonin can lead to depressed states. Probiotics can help in restoring and maintaining a healthy gut flora balance.

image

Propolis is considered relatively non-toxic. It will cause allergic reactions if people are allergic to bees, honey, or other bee products and should be avoided in these cases. The use and dosage should be discussed with your medical professional. In cases of preventative treatment or prophylaxis, a short course corresponding to the length of a course of antibiotics can be considered. This is for colds- and flu prevention, at the first sign of a sniffle, for instance.

Herbal treatments are not nearly as well regulated as prescription medicines. Therefore it is of vital importance to look out for well-known brands from reputable companies when purchasing any herbal supplements. Do not trust inflated prices or cheap packaging without proper investigation into the source company.


USEFUL LINKS

For the dads: Propolis for hair loss

Studies pertaining to Propolis properties and uses

Cancer fighting properties

Gut flora functioning as an organ

 

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