Dr. Snigdha Samanta is consultant neonatologist and pediatrician at Rani Hospital and Research Centre for Children, Ranchi. She also heads the first and only Human Milk Bank in Jharkhand

My three-year-old daughter insists on sugary treats. Please suggest ways to maintain dental hygiene and prevent cavities.

— Meeta Agrawal, Bengaluru

Encouraging good dental habits in young children is critical for preventing cavities. Here are some practical tips to prevent dental cavities:

• Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day — in the morning and before bed. Once their teeth begin to touch, usually around age two-three, you could start flossing also.
• Choose an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. For children under three years, use a rice-sized amount, and for those above three, a pea-sized measure.
• Sugary foods and drinks prompt cavities. If your child eats sugary snacks, limit them to mealtimes, when saliva production neutralizes acids. Encourage water or milk over juice, soda, and sugary drinks, which cause tooth decay.
• Healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese reduce the risk of cavities.
• Fluoride toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. Ensure your daughter’s toothpaste contains fluoride. If your area’s water is fluoridated, that’s an added benefit for your child’s dental health.
• Visit the dentist when she turns one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Follow-up with regular checkups every six months.
• After meals and snacks, encourage her to drink water to rinse away food particles and sugar. Gargling after meals is also beneficial.
• Children learn by watching their parents. Role model good dental hygiene.

 

When and how should I start transitioning my toddler to eat family meals while still meeting her unique nutritional needs?

— Rehana Shireen, Chennai

Introducing a toddler to the family dining table is an exciting milestone. Typically, most parents bring their toddler to the family table when she is 12-18 months old,  when she begins to eat a wider variety of foods and can sit up for longer periods of time. Here are my pointers:

• Observe and confirm if your toddler can sit without support. This is usually around 12 months. Also, check if she can be seated for meals for a reasonable time.
• If your infant is already eating solid food, it’s a good time to start integrating her into family mealtimes. It’s also important to dice her food into bite-sized pieces and ensure soft consistency to reduce the danger of choking.
• Does your child show interest in what other family members are eating? If she is curious, it is a sign that she is ready to be invited to the table.

 

What foods should I include in my six-year-old daughter’s diet to improve her immunity?

— Vedika Sashwat, Mumbai

A well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients is imperative to build a strong immune system. You should include the following items in your daughter’s diet:

• Proteins are important for antibody and immune cell production. Eggs and meat products are good protein sources. Vegetarians can include lentils, chickpeas, tofu and paneer.
• Hydration is important as dehydration impairs the immune system. Water is the best source, others are coconut water and fruit juices.
• Include foods rich in vitamins C, A, D, zinc, iron and probiotics.
• Healthy fats are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Healthy fats include almonds, walnuts, cashews, flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and cold-pressed oils such as olive and mustard oil.
• Seasonal foods such as mangoes, pomegranates, and custard apples in summer and green leafy vegetables and root vegetables in winter are nutrients-rich.
• Healthy diet apart, ensure adequate physical activity and sleep. Also, ensure her vaccination is up to date.