You Are What You Eat from Your Head to Your Feet

You Are What You Eat from Your Head to Your Feet was an adventure game developed and published by Humongous Entertainment.  The aim of the game was to get the delegates to declare happiness between the food groups, with the intent of teaching children about healthy eating.  The main character, Pajama Sam, battled “villains” that were high in sugar (a box of rogue cookies), starches and carbohydrates in the game. 

So, what are healthy foods vs. “villains” and how do they affect the teeth?

Fruits and vegetables are at the top of healthy foods, especially ones that have a high-water content like melons, celery, cucumbers, and pears. Though most kids love bananas and raisins, they contain concentrated sugar. 

Foods like broccoli, yogurt, eggs, and cheese are high in calcium and help to build strong teeth. 

Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other aged cheeses trigger saliva. Saliva helps wash away pieces of food from the teeth.

Chewy or sticky foods are not recommended.  Foods like dried fruits, gummy bears, caramel candies, peanut butter, and syrup stick to the teeth.  When children eat these foods encourage them to brush immediately after finishing their food to help halt bacteria and plaque.   

Hard candies, cough drops, and breath mints are also considered “villains”. They coat the teeth with sugar. Studies have directly linked sugar to tooth decay.

Limiting the number of snacks your child eats in a day can help combat tooth decay. Snacking constantly, without brushing in between, provides constant fuel to feed bacteria, which in turn leads to plaque development and tooth decay.  

Provide water for a drink.  Sodas, juices and even milk contain sugar. The body needs water and water helps wash away food particles from the teeth. 

You don’t totally have to deprive kids of sweets.  Dessert after the main meal can be just what the doctor ordered.  With the increased amount of saliva in the mouth that comes at mealtime and the beverage served with the meal, food pieces and sugar get washed away from the teeth.

Brush your child’s teeth after giving them any liquid medicine. Cough syrups contain sugar that the bacteria in the mouth uses to make acids. These acids eat away at the enamel which is the protective top layer of the tooth.

And like Pajama Sam said, “no food is an island“.  Sam gives the delegates an inspiring speech about working together and at the end of the game the delegates declare peace among the food groups so that they can join forces to ensure overall healthy kids.

Dr. Abeyta offers comprehensive, same-day dental care for your overall health as well as giving you the best smile in Albuquerque. Your first visit will be one-on-one to talk about healthy choices for you and your family. Call today to make your child’s first dental appointment (505) 293-7611.