Four steps to preventing tooth decay
1. Drink only plain water, coffee/tea without sugar (adults only) or plain milk in between meals. Juices/fizzy drinks advertising as ‘low sugar’ or ‘sugar-free’ may still cause decay.
2. When you get hungry, eat only food or drink that does not contain sugar (see below for a suggested snack).
3. Have sugary foods, or drinks (including fresh and diluted juices) only at mealtimes, not between meals.
4. Brush your teeth, with a fluoride toothpaste, morning and night for 2 minutes each time and ‘Spit not rinse’- ensure you do not rinse your mouth with water following tooth brushing so that the fluoride in the toothpaste can protect your teeth against tooth decay.
Suggestions for snacks
- Fresh vegetables
- Carrot and cucumber sticks
- Nuts (not for under 5 years old or those with a nut allergy)
- Unsweetened crackers
- Oatmeal biscuit
- Crispbread
- Rice cakes
- Bread rolls
- Toast
- Any Cheese
- Hummus
- Marmite
- Natural yoghurt
- Savoury sandwiches (e.g. tuna and cucumber, egg and cress, cheese and carrot etc…)
Please note that the frequent consumption of fruit between meals can cause decay and erosion due to natural sugars and acids in the fruit.
