September is recognized as Whole Grains Month and is a 30-day celebration for all things grainy. These whole grains are beneficial for heart health, overall health, and may even boost oral health too. At our Long Island pediatric dental office, we know that eating a well-balanced diet, including a good amount of whole grains, can help kids develop good habits and grow up healthy. In this blog we cover some quick facts about whole grains as well as some of the best ways you can help your family get enough of the good stuff.
Like most things, the recommended amount of whole grains varies from age to age and even by gender. Use the handy table below from the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to determine how many whole grains each member of your family should eat every day.
| Age | Female | Male |
| 1-3 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-8 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 9-13 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 14-18 | 3.5 | 4 |
| 19-30 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| 31+ | 3 | 4 |
Getting enough whole grains in your kid’s diet may seem difficult, but whole grains can be found in tons of yummy foods including:
Whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are great for bodies of all ages. In terms of oral health, the B vitamins and iron found in whole grains help keep gums healthy and the magnesium keeps bones and teeth strong. Research also shows that eating a good dose of them can also reduce the risk of gum disease since whole grains help the body better process blood sugar. As we all know, sugar makes your pediatric dentist in Long Island shiver, and anything that helps protect the body against it is welcomed.
Ensuring that your whole family is eating a well-balanced diet can go a long way in keep both bodies and smiles healthy. Getting them regular dental checkups every six months can help too. If your child is in need of a dentist, call our pediatric dental office in Long Island to schedule an appointment.
