14.6: Health in Early Childhood

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common food allergens.
2. Describe how to manage food allergies in early childhood settings.
3. Explain the importance of oral health during early childhood.
4. Discuss the role of immunizations and booster shots in protecting children from illness.
5. Describe proper handwashing techniques and explain why hand hygiene is essential for disease prevention.
6. Outline caregiver responsibilities in promoting and protecting the health of young children.

While preschoolers are becoming increasingly independent, they still depend on their caregivers to continue protecting and promoting their health. ²¹

Food Allergies

A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods. The body’s immune response can be severe and life-threatening, as seen in cases of anaphylaxis. Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.

Eight foods or food groups account for 90% of severe allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): The most common food allergens make up 90% of the allergic reactions in the U.S. Image by the USDA in the public domain.

The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can vary between individuals and may also change over time for the same person. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death.⁴ Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis.

• Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma or other allergic conditions than those without food allergies.
• The prevalence of food allergies among children increased by 18% during 1997-2007, and allergic reactions to foods have become the most common cause of anaphylaxis in community health settings.
• Although difficult to measure, research suggests that approximately 4% of children and adolescents are affected by food allergies.

The CDC recommends that, as part of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for children, caregivers should:

• Be aware of any food allergies.
• Educate other children and all adults who care for a child with food allergies.
• Ensure the daily management of food allergies.
• Prepare for food allergy emergencies.²⁴

Oral Health

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Fluoride varnish, a high-concentration fluoride coating that is painted on teeth, can prevent about one-third (33%) of decay in the primary (baby) teeth. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer decayed teeth than children who live in areas where their tap water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have less tooth decay.

Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth is another way to prevent tooth decay. Studies in children show that sealants reduce decay in the permanent molars by 81% for 2 years after they are placed on the tooth and continue to be effective for 4 years after placement.²⁵

The first visit to the dentist should happen after the first tooth erupts. After that, children should see the dentist every six months.²⁶

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): A dentist checking a child’s teeth. Image by Trinity Care Foundation is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Protection from Illness

Two important ways to help protect children from illness are immunization and handwashing.

Immunizations

While vaccines are typically initiated in infancy, children require additional doses of vaccines to maintain their protection. These boosters, administered between the ages of 4 and 6, are supplemental doses of the vaccines received earlier in life to help maintain optimal protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Vaccines. Image by Ramstein Air Base is in the public domain.

Many states require children to be fully vaccinated (unless they have a valid medical reason for exemption) before they can enroll in licensed child care or public school. If vaccinations were missed, a health care provider can help the child’s caregivers create a catch-up schedule to ensure the child correctly “catches up” with the recommended childhood vaccination schedule.²⁹

Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. It’s important for children (and adults) to wash their hands often, especially when they are likely to get and spread germs, including:

• Before, during, and after preparing food.
• Before eating food.
• After blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• After using the toilet.
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
• After touching garbage.

Children need to learn how to wash their hands properly. When washing their hands, children (and adults) should follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum or sing the Happy Birthday song or the ABCs from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.³⁰

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): A mother helping her son wash his hands. Image is in the public domain.

Caregivers can help keep children healthy by:

• Teaching them good handwashing techniques.
• Reminding their kids to wash their hands.
• Washing their own hands with the children.³²

References, Contributors and Attributions

21. Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States by the CDC is in the public domain

24. Food Allergies in Schools by the CDC is in the public domain

25. Children’s Oral Health by the CDC is in the public domain

26. Content by Jennifer Paris is licensed under CC BY 4.0

29. Vaccines for Your Children: Protect Your Child at Every Age by the CDC is in the public domain

30. Wash Your Hands by the CDC is in the public domain

32. Handwashing: A Family Activity by the CDC is in the public domain