COOK WITH YOUR KIDS TO MAKE MEALTIME MEANINGFUL!
NO. 1: COOKING TEACHES LIFE SKILLS. It may seem far off, but one day, your child will have to cook for themselves and eventually their own children, too. By teaching them the basics of cooking now, you’re providing them with a skill they’ll need to be capable adults. NO. 2: COOKING CREATES AN ADVENTUROUS EATER. Imagine seeing something like asparagus or artichoke on the plate in front of you for the first time and being told you must eat that weird- looking thing. That’s how many children experience food for the first time, which can feel like a scary experience. Kids who help cook in the kitchen are much more likely to try new and adventurous foods because they’re exposed to them and other ingredients over a period of time. They touch, slice, smell, crush, and season the foods before they ever eat them. So, by the time it hits their plate, it’s not so scary! NO. 3: COOKING PROMOTES HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT. Time spent in the kitchen isn’t all about eating, either. While cooking, children stir, mix, measure, roll, squeeze, spread, observe, learn, and count. These activities all help develop fine motor, hand-eye coordination, math, and science skills, not to mention creativity!
As a parent, it can be incredibly challenging to nail down the perfect weeknight dinner menu that makes every hungry mouth in your home happy. This is especially true when you have picky little ones who demand waffles for dinner or dinosaur chicken nuggets seven nights a week. You may feel like your days as a short-order cook are endless, but we’re here to tell you about a simple trick to making healthier meals everyone in your family will enjoy.
The trick is quite simple: Have your kids cook
with you! Cooking with your kids has
multiple benefits that stretch far beyond the kitchen table, but the immediate reward is that you won’t cook alone anymore! Next time dinner time rolls around, grab your little sous-chefs to lend a hand so they can enjoy these three benefits.
Protect Your Smile
THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN SLEEP APNEA AND DENTAL HEALTH
ACID REFLUX Acid reflux, often associated with sleep apnea, can lead to acid erosion of tooth enamel. During your dental appointments and checkups, we can identify signs of acid erosion and provide guidance on managing acid reflux. ORAL HYGIENE Poor sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation to maintain good oral hygiene. Neglecting oral care can exacerbate dental issues, and regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial to protect your smile and oral health. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing dental complications related to it, don’t let it go untreated. Schedule a visit with our dental health professionals and a sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan!
According to the American Medical Association, in the U.S., roughly 30 million people have some form of sleep apnea, but only 6 million individuals are diagnosed with it. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, leading to disrupted rest and potential health complications. While the primary treatment for sleep apnea often involves continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or other medical interventions, there is an emerging understanding of the connection between sleep apnea and dental health.
tissue in the throat can contribute to airway obstruction. During routine check-ups at Texas Sedation Dentistry, we can visually assess these factors. BRUXISM Many individuals with sleep apnea also experience bruxism, which is teeth grinding during sleep. The clenching and grinding can lead to dental problems such as worn- down teeth, fractures, and jaw pain. In our offices, we can identify signs of bruxism and offer solutions like custom nightguards. DRY MOUTH Breathing through the mouth during sleep, which is common in sleep apnea sufferers, can lead to dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our dental professionals can recommend strategies to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Check out some of the ways dental health and sleep apnea are intertwined.
ORAL ANATOMY The structure of the mouth and throat plays a significant role in sleep apnea, as enlarged tonsils, a large tongue, or excess
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