Do Kids’ Menus Kids can be picky eaters. This is a fact recognized by parents and restaurants alike. This picky nature popularized the classic children’s menu featured at many restaurants around the country. These menus are virtually the same: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, french fries, and so on. Kids’ menus are loaded with fried foods and cheap carbs. Some parents love the kids’ menu. It makes deciding on food easier. Or, at least, that’s what we tell ourselves. Kids’ menus are populated with foods practically every kid loves. But they have a dark side. Aside from poor nutrition, the kids’ menu changes the family dynamic. In an interview with Eater.com, television chef and host Alton Brown (who you may know from “Good Eats,” “Iron Chef America,” and “Cutthroat Kitchen”) said, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever let your kid eat from the children’s menu at restaurants and never, ever, ever make your kid special food to allow them to avoid whatever the family is eating.” Why? During his “Alton Brown Live!” tour, he explained that it comes down to control. By giving kids the option of the children’s menu, you relinquish culinary control to your kids. The next time you go out as a family or you make a
DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
delicious meal at home, they are more likely to demand “their” food.
This is a habit a child can quickly adopt — and a habit
that’s tough to break. Kids are picky eaters because, as parents and adults,
we let them be picky eaters. We perpetuate bad habits. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In a Mom.me article, Dr. Cara Natterson suggests kids eat what the rest of the family eats. For instance, let them indulge in the appetizer menu, then build up to the entrée menu and let them share and sample your food. Encourage culinary exploration. When you encourage your kids to avoid the children’s menu, you give them an opportunity to expand their flavor horizons. More importantly, it helps them make healthier choices that aren’t loaded with fat and empty carbs. Make going out to dinner a learning experience, and before you know it, the phrase “kids’ menu” will have disappeared from your family’s vocabulary.
A Word From
Kalie and Caryn
The Time Is Right to Treat Gingivitis
This year, we saw the introduction of a new CDT code for gingivitis, which is awesome. That means we’re officially
that far, it quite often does. Periodontitis results in the loss of bone around the teeth, a problem that is very hard to correct and can lead to serious health repercussions. Gingivitis, on the other hand, is quite easy to treat. Between cleanings in the dental office and at-home treatment, your gingivitis could be gone in as little as two weeks (yes, that’s right, two weeks) as compared to months or even years of treatment for periodontal conditions. That makes treating gingivitis a no-brainer, and we strongly encourage everyone to do so if they have some form of gingivitis. As always, if you have more questions or want to know how to address your own gingivitis, you can give us a call, send an email, or come on in for a checkup!
recognizing the serious issues that gingivitis can cause, especially if left unchecked for too long. And it couldn’t come at a better time. Seventy-five percent of American adults have some form of gingivitis, making it one of the most common (if not the most common) oral diseases in the country. Gingivitis presents as swollen, inflamed gums that also frequently bleed. Your gums might be tender, but they also might not be. The swelling is the No. 1 symptom of this condition. Gingivitis is common, but it also commonly leads to further periodontal issues. Periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis, and although gingivitis doesn’t always progress
Keep flossing, and we’ll see you soon!
– Kalie and Caryn
2 | Elkins Dental
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