Frequent consumption of foods containing sugar increases the risk for tooth decay. Even small amounts of these foods consumed frequently during meals and snacks over the course of a day will create an acid environment lasting many hours.
Snacking, however, is important for children. Because they have limited stomach capacity they need to eat small amounts of food frequently to meet their nutritional requirements. Even though they contain sugar, healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, grain products, and dairy products should not be avoided. However, it is important to limit snacking on foods containing sugar, to offer snacks at regular times between meals, and to develop good oral hygiene habits. (For more information on feeding and eating practices that reduce the risk for tooth decay, see Module 3. Prevention of Tooth Decay.)
A commonly asked question is whether breastfeeding may cause tooth decay because there is sugar in breast milk. Breastfeeding is associated with a low risk for tooth decay, compared with bottle feeding. However, breastfeeding beyond age 12 months, especially if it occurs frequently during the day and/or during the night, is associated with increased risk for tooth decay. To reduce the likelihood of sugary fluids pooling around the teeth, children should be removed from the breast when they finish feeding. After the child’s last feeding before bedtime, their gums and any teeth should be wiped with a piece of gauze, a soft washcloth, or a soft-finger toothbrush.