With advice seemingly changing every day, seeking out accurate nutrition information can feel like a big challenge! It’s important to find nutrition guidance that is researched, studied, compiled, and reviewed by experts. Seeking out science-based information will help your family create a plan, stick to it, and see results.

This National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Dietetics has some suggestions for finding information that is backed by science:

• • “Find accurate sources for nutrition information.”
  • “Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in your unique needs.”
  • “Receive personalized nutrition information from an RDN to meet your health goals.”

Look for a “works cited” section near the bottom of the webpage, and click on links to verify that research backs the claims. Be wary of any website about nutrition that ends in .com, makes unrealistic claims, or attempts to sell you a product, supplement, or program.

Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

There is a lot of misinformation and conflicting information about nutrition floating around the web. A trained nutrition professional, such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, can help you interpret conflicting information and give recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

You might be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between a RDN, dietitian, nutritionist, or even a nutrition/health coach?” Here’s a graphic to help you understand the difference between these
various professionals.

While individual health coaches and nutritionists may have qualifying knowledge and experience to support you in various aspects of health and nutrition, an RDN can counsel patients on both general and medical nutrition. When looking to change your nutrition goals, finding an RDN is a great place to start.

For many of us, one of our fondest childhood memories is the excitement of losing a tooth and impatiently awaiting the visit from El Ratoncito Pérez or, in American culture, the Tooth Fairy. El Ratoncito Pérez came quietly at night, traded our lost teeth for a small surprise, and left us with a bit of magic that many of us remember to this day. But what if El Ratoncito Pérez or the Tooth Fairy did more than collect teeth? What if they helped parents teach their children healthy dental habits?

El Ratoncito Pérez and the Tooth Fairy can be powerful allies in helping children understand the importance of brushing and flossing teeth, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and visiting the dentist. By incorporating healthy dental habits into the fairytale story, oral care routines can become a positive and engaging experience.

Here are some strategies that parents and caregivers can use to promote good oral hygiene in children. These strategies can be made more fun by incorporating El Ratoncito Pérez, the Tooth Fairy, or your own
tooth-themed adventures.

Try reminding your child that the Tooth Fairy loves strong, healthy teeth, and that certain foods help teeth grow strong. Encourage children to eat tooth-friendly foods, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and to choose water or milk more often than
sugary drinks.

Dental Hygiene

How early should an oral care routine begin? Oral hygiene should start in infancy, even before the first tooth appears. You can gently wipe an infant’s gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings, then transition to brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth begin to erupt.

When it comes to teeth, two is the Tooth Fairy’s magic number. Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for two full minutes and floss at least once a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Technology can make brushing more fun and interactive. Kid-friendly toothbrushing apps like Chomper Chums and 2-minute songs can help keep children motivated while supporting parents in establishing
consistent routines.

Try incorporating the magic of the Tooth Fairy into dental visits – maybe the Tooth Fairy offers a small gift after a dentist visit, such as a new toothbrush, small prize, or sticker. During these routine visits, dental care professionals can also provide preventative treatments such as fluoride varnishes and sealants. These protective measures help prevent tooth decay and cavities, supporting long-term oral health.

Family Modeling

Children learn best by example, and we as adults can have a powerful influence on their oral health habits. Modeling proper nutrition and oral care habits reinforces positive behaviors and helps children understand the importance of these habits. By brushing and flossing alongside your child, you can teach proper techniques and reinforce consistent routines. This also allows you to correct improper techniques and reinforce the importance of brushing and flossing every day. Assure your child that you also know El Ratoncito Pérez or the Tooth Fairy, and that she helped teach you how to grow strong and healthy teeth.

Parents, you can further support your children by helping them feel comfortable with dental visits. Reading books about going to the dentist, talking through what will happen during appointments, and demonstrating a relaxed attitude towards dental care can reduce fear and promote positive dental experiences.