Each time we eat sugary food and drink, the bacteria in dental plaque produce acid that attacks teeth. If we eat or drink sugary foods frequently throughout the day we have more ‘acid attacks’, which can lead to tooth decay.
Children get a lot of sugar from fizzy drinks, juice drinks, buns, cakes, pastries, biscuits, breakfast cereals, yoghurts, sweets, chocolates and ice cream – reducing these will help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Follow these top tips:
Eat a healthy diet, replacing sugary snacks with fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese and crackers, pitta bread and humous, bread or toast. Only give sweet foods (including dried fruit) at mealtimes.
Encourage your child to drink water or milk.
Reduce cola, juice drinks, milkshakes or fizzy drinks – give your child water, lower-fat milks, sugar free or no added sugar drinks instead. Only give soft drinks at mealtimes and limit the amount of fruit juice and/or smoothies your child drinks to a maximum of 150 mls (one portion) per day.
Always ask for sugar-free medicines.
Ensure your child brushes their teeth regularly.
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