Healthy Eating Habits to Help Your Special Needs Child & Their Teeth




Eating healthy is the number one fighter against obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and other health problems for children. While exercise is critical, their eating habits will be built while they are kids and will last a lifetime.  Dr. Cameron Fuller says, "eating habits don’t just impact their waistline; they also can negatively cause problems for children’s teeth." Here are three easy and healthy tips that you can change today to provide healthy eating options for your child with special needs.

1.     Increase their water intake. Water helps rinse teeth before and after brushing.  Water can also decrease snacking between meals and allow your child to feel full faster. If it is difficult for your child to remember to drink water, or they struggle with the flavor, you can add picture reminders around the house to help. You can also use natural flavors such as fruit to sweeten the water. 

2.     Offer apple, grapes, and other fruit for a snack instead of crackers or chips. Crackers and chips stick to the enamel of the teeth and are also empty calories for kids. 

3.     Provide salad or another vegetables they like with every meal. While it may take your child, depending on their disability, a while to try the food, putting it on the plate can make it more likely that they are willing to try.

Getting kids to eat healthy can be difficult. If you are struggling with ways to increase health in your home, contact Dr. Fuller & his team for more options.


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