Diet

Q. My daughter refuses to eat meals, and snacks all day instead. My maternal health nurse says that's ok, as long as the snacks are healthy but I have heard snacking can lead to decay. What should I do?

A. Diet plays an important role in the health of your child's teeth, so developing healthy eating habits early in life will help your child form the building blocks for strong and healthy adult teeth. Dental decay rates in young children are actually rising, and this is related to changes in what some children eat and how often they eat.

Foods high in refined carbohydrates (sugar), such as concentrated fruit snack bars, lollies, muesli bars, sweet biscuits, some breakfast cereals, and sugary drinks and juices can contribute to dental decay, especially if eaten often and over long periods. 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).

While it's unrealistic to completely cut these foods out of your child's diet, a healthy diet is important. The Australian Dental Association has tips to help minimise dental decay in your child's teeth:

• Your child should enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods, especially foods rich in calcium and low in acids and sugars
• Enjoy two healthy snacks a day such as cheese and fruit – milk and hard cheeses have protective qualities to help prevent dental decay
• Offer your child a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, lean meats and dairy products
• Limit sugary snacks such as lollies, fruit and muesli bars, biscuits, dried fruit, cordials, juices and soft drinks