Avoiding tooth decay

A balanced, nutritious diet during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding will ensure your baby’s new teeth are strong.

Breast or formula milk or cooled, boiled water are the best drinks for your baby’s teeth. You can give your baby well diluted fruit juice (one part juice to five parts water) from six months of age at mealtimes.

Some soya-based infant formulas are quite high in sugar. Soya based formulas should only be used on the advice of your doctor or health visitor. They will be able to suggest brands that are not high in sugar.

‘Baby’ or herbal drinks may well contain natural sweeteners. Check the packet for lactose, fructose and other forms of sugar. Avoid giving acidic, sugary or fizzy drinks to your baby or toddler, as these may damage his tooth enamel.

Drinks containing sugar are even more likely to cause tooth decay if given:

• Between meals
• At bedtime or during the night
• As comforters or for long periods. Never put a sweet bottled drink or sugared dummy into your baby’s mouth as a long-term comforter

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for sugar-free medicines.

Where to next?

• Order of appearance
• Early and late teethers
• Teething and illness
• Teething symptoms
• Coping with teething discomfort
• Cleaning your baby’s teeth.
• Fluoride supplements
• Visiting the dentist