The following are some useful dietary tips for kids.
- Eat a good, well balanced diet.
- Avoid snacking on sticky/chewy or sugary foods and drinks (e.g. biscuits, toffees, raisins, honey, juices etc.)
- Be aware that “100% fruit juice” or “No added sugar” or “Organic” juice can still contain naturally occurring sugars that can cause damage to your child’s teeth.The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends children 1-6 years of age consume no more than 120-180 mls of fruit juice per day and that this should be consumed as part of a meal.
- Sugary drinks (e.g. sports drinks, juices) should be consumed quickly and not spaced out over time. The same is true for sweets or sugary foods to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with the teeth.
- Drink water or milk, especially between meals.
- If thirsty during the night, only drink water.
- Infants should not be put to bed with a bottle at night or at nap time.
- Infants should be taught to drink from a cup instead of a bottle/sippy cup at around 12 months of age.
- For more specific information, please contact our practice. For more general tips and information, visit www.dentalhealth.ie/children
