Dental disease prevention

Advice on reducing the risk of dental disease for your child

Healthy snacks for teeth

Choose savoury snacks such as:

✔veg sticks
✔savoury rice cakes (sugar free)
✔cheese

Hidden sugars

Some food groups may seem healthy but can cause decay, for example:

❌dried fruit
❌muesli bars
❌flavoured yoghurts and yoghurt coated raisins

These all have sugar and are sticky and hard to remove, which can damage teeth if snacked on regularly.

Healthy drinks for your teeth

Try to stick to water and milk from six months, avoid introducing juice or smoothies: keep these as an occasional treat (cheaper and healthier).

Sugar-free medication

Wherever possible, ask for sugar-free medication for your child.

Bedtime routine

After the age of one:

• only water in the last hour before sleep
• clean teeth before bed so toothpaste is the last thing in your child’s mouth

Tooth brushing

Introduce tooth brushing as soon as your child’s teeth start coming through with an appropriate sized toothbrush for your child’s age. Brush their teeth at least twice a day.

Use a small headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spit out toothpaste and don’t rinse after brushing.

Visiting the dentist

Take your child to the dentist as soon as they have teeth or from at least when they are one year old. They should be seen regularly at four- to six-monthly intervals. Your dentist can help prevent tooth decay, with advice and fluoride varnish applications.

Contacts / further information

Paediatric dentistry
Cleft.NET.East
Box 46, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ

Cleft.NET.East is the East of England regional cleft lip and palate service. You can call us on 01223 596272 or email the Cleft.NET.East team.