Diet plays a critically important role in the health of your child’s teeth. Developing healthy eating habits early in life will help ensure strong and healthy adult teeth.
A recent Australian report indicates that dental decay rates are rising among 6 year olds. Good oral health during infancy and the toddler years contributes to better dental health throughout life with less dental decay and lower rates of missing teeth.
Rising decay rates in children have been related to changed dietary patterns, with fewer children drinking fluoridated tap water, and increased frequency of consumption of sugary, processed foods and drinks. Encouraging healthy eating and drinking habits in babies and toddlers are the best ways to help your child have healthy teeth for life.
As soon as your baby develops their first tooth, they are at risk of dental decay. Decay in babies and toddlers is known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC). To help prevent ECC, follow the guidelines below:
Foods that can contribute to dental decay include those high in refined carbohydrates (sugar) such as concentrated fruit snack bars, lollies, muesli bars, sweet biscuits, some breakfast cereals and sugary drinks and juices. This is because the sugar feeds the destructive bacteria in your baby’s or toddler’s mouth. The bacteria produce acid which destroys your child’s teeth. Highly refined packaged foods such as savoury crackers and chips can also have high levels of carbohydrate (sugar). Therefore it is important to check the nutritional information panel on packaged foods to help work out which foods and drinks have high carbohydrate and sugar levels.
These types of foods are high risk for causing decay, especially if eaten often and over long periods.
While it is unrealistic to completely cut these foods out, here are some tips to help minimise dental decay.
These include:
Importantly, a healthy diet must be complemented by good oral hygiene – brushing and flossing teeth and regular dental check ups. Daily flossing and brushing greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Some medicines contain sugar for taste. If your child is prescribed medicine, ask your doctor if this can be sugar free.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener. Foods containing sugar substitutes appear to reduce decay-causing bacteria. Ask your dentist if xylitol products (such as cough syrups or lozenges) would be useful in reducing your children’s risk of tooth decay.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth and protects against decay. Most major cities in New Zealand add fluoride to the water supply at recommended levels. Your dentist can tell you if your local water supply is fluoridated.
Bottled water usually does not contain enough fluoride to offer protection against tooth decay. Some home water filters remove fluoride from tap water. Storage-tank water does not contain fluoride. If your child drinks the majority of their water from bottled or filtered water or tanks, then talk to your dentist about your child’s individual fluoride needs. If necessary, the dentist can apply ‘topical’ fluoride to their teeth, which has been proven to reduce childhood tooth decay.
Using a fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth twice a day helps prevent decay.
Most people are aware that soft drinks contribute to tooth decay due to the significant amount of sugar that these drinks contain – a 600ml bottle can contain up to 13 teaspoons of sugar.
Less well known is that these drinks, along with fruit juices, cordials and sports drinks often have high acid levels, and can play a major role in the development of tooth erosion. Dental erosion is a silent epidemic. Soft drinks, fruit juices, cordials and sports drinks should be limited. Encourage your child to drink fluoridated water as much as possible.
For more information visit New Zealand Dental Association Healthy Smiles or Plunket websites.
For more information see Baby teething or Baby Care