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Common Health Questions for Kids

Kids can ask some of the strangest or most annoying questions, but sometimes they can ask really smart questions, too. Kids are generally curious by nature, which is why they ask so many questions; it helps them learn. Helping kids learn about their health can help them understand why it's so important that they take care of themselves.

  1. Oral Care

    • Kids might ask what is the best way to take care of their teeth. Oral tooth decay is the most chronic infectious disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tooth decay can lead to oral infections and serious pain. Remind children that it's important to brush their teeth regularly along with flossing and keep all scheduled dental visits. Using fluoridated toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay in addition to dental sealants. Eating nutritious foods, rather than junk foods, can help keep teeth healthy. Sweets and foods with refined sugars can cause teeth to decay.

    Diet

    • Kids may wonder whether their diet is healthy and if they are at a good weight. With all the models in magazines and on television, kids and teenagers are worried about their own personal appearance. While taking an interest in their diet is a good thing, it can also become overwhelming for some children and cause eating disorders such as anorexia. Children need to understand that a healthy diet is important, but so are eating habits. Teach children the importance of fruits, vegetables, fats, carbs and protein for a healthy diet. Children also need to be aware that eating enough calories to keep up with their activity level is important, too.

    Hygiene

    • Children may also wonder how often they need to shower, when they need to wear deodorant and why they get pimples. Teaching children good hygiene at an early age will help them have good practices as they get older. Kids should not begin to wear deodorant until they start to develop body odor; this is usually when they reach puberty. They should bathe daily to eliminate chances of body odor and to smell good. When children go to school with body odor, fellow students may make fun of or pick on them.

    Genital Itching

    • Boys can develop jock itch and girls can develop yeast infections. Jock itch and yeast infections can cause severe itching and skin irritation. Kids might ask how to know if they have jock itch or a yeast infection, and they'll want to know how to fix it. It's important to receive proper medical treatment from a licensed health care provider to ensure a proper diagnosis before treatment.

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