Infant and Children's Oral Health

Dietary Habits and Oral Health

A good diet is important for a child's growth and development and for keeping their body healthy. Their teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth will also benefit from a well-balanced diet. Eating regular nutritious meals and limiting between meal snacks, helps prevent decay and forms lifelong habits for good oral health and overall general health.

  • Introduce children to a variety of foods from the five major food groups – fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, fish and eggs to get important vitamins, especially calcium
  • Encourage healthy snack choices such as raw vegetables, fresh fruits, cheese, popcorn and sugar-free beverages instead of sticky, long lasting carbohydrates such as lollipops and sodas
  • Limit between meal snacking