Oral health professionals and advocates understand that good nutrition and good oral health go together. That’s why Kentucky Oral Health Coalition invites you to join us in building awareness about the importance of good nutrition as well as advocating for good nutrition access in Kentucky during National Nutrition Month.
Take action for nutrition access
Last year’s KOHC Landscape Assessment highlighted needs and barriers to oral healthcare access in Kentucky, as well as the costs we all face when not meeting those needs and working to remove barriers before they get worse. This year the Kentucky legislature is considering several bills that would impact Kentuckians’ access to nutrition, which we understand would also affect oral health.
Kentucky Youth Advocates has published a policy update with information about several bills in the Kentucky legislature this session related to nutrition access. We encourage oral health advocates to contact their legislators to let them know you support improved access to nutrition, especially for Kentuckians who face the most barriers to nutrition and oral healthcare.
Resources for nutrition month
Understanding the bidirectional importance of a healthy mouth and a healthy diet can help improve overall health for people of all ages. The drink pyramid is another way to emphasize and encourage healthy choices for children’s beverages.
- Water, at the bottom of the pyramid, helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria and is recommended to have throughout the day.
- Milk can help to build strong bones and teeth but should be consumed in moderation.
- Juices contain important nutrients but are typically high in sugar and should be limited.
- Pop and other sugary drinks provide little to no nutritional value and are usually much higher in sugar and calories, so they are at the top of the pyramid to show that they should only be consumed on special occasions.
