Foods that are high in sugar increase the risk of decay, because sugar reacts with bacteria in the mouth to produce harmful acids. So aim to restrict sugary stuff to mealtimes only, and encourage healthier foods which contain no added sugars, such as fruit, veg, cheese, and crackers, in between. Don’t forget that milk and dairy products like yoghurt or cheese are also great sources of calcium, an important nutrient for the growth and development of healthy teeth.
Offer your child milk or water to drink whenever possible and avoid sugary and fizzy drinks as much as possible. If they do drink these, you can reduce their impact by encouraging them to use a straw, angled to the back of the mouth so contact with the teeth is avoided.
As they grow, our kids naturally have more opportunities to make their own food choices. There’s no point nagging about it – but talking about healthier snacking and how it’s best for healthy teeth will help pass on the right messages.
