Teeth and nutrition

Sugars in milks

• In breast milk, cows’ milk, and most infant formula, sugars are naturally present as lactose (a milk sugar)
• Carbohydrates in the form of sugars are essential in a baby’s diet. They provide an important source of energy, which is needed for healthy growth 
• Soya and lactose-free formulas are designed for babies who cannot digest lactose. They contain glucose syrup/maltodextrin as an alternative to lactose
• It’s important to remember that food or drink containing any type of sugar can cause tooth decay
• The longer and more often these foods and drinks are on the teeth, the greater the risk of decay
• This is why good teeth cleaning and dental health are as important for infants and toddlers as for older children and adults

Sugar in your baby’s diet

• When you start weaning, your baby has a wider choice of foods. Sugar is present in more foods than you might realise, like fruits, fruit juices, milk and milk products
• Some foods contain added sugar
• This means your baby’s teeth are at risk of decay from the moment they begin to break through the surface of the gum, even though it may be some time before they appear

Checking food for sugar

• Check labels for sugars, such as glucose and sucrose. The higher these are on the ingredients list, the more sugar that food or drink contains

Feeding do’s

• Babies that are solely breastfed should not need additional fluids
• Do offer your baby cooled, boiled water between meals or feeds if they’re thirsty. If they refuse plain water, try diluted fruit juice (1 part juice to 10 parts water) 
• Do try to limit sugary foods and drinks to meal times only
• If your baby needs any medication, ask your GP or pharmacist for sugar-free medicine
• Brush your baby’s teeth an hour after eating

Feeding don’ts

• Don’t add sugar to food or drinks
• Don’t give them fruit juice at bedtime
• Don’t add sugar or solids to your baby’s bottle or dip the teat into sugary substances like jam or honey
• Don’t give them high-sugar snacks between meals. Try snacks like cheese, fruit, plain biscuits or bread instead 
• Don't allow baby to fall asleep with the bottle
• Use a cup or a beaker by 6 months if possible

How to protect against decay

• It’s important not to give bottles or beakers as comforters or pacifiers
• Try to encourage your baby to drink from a beaker or cup as soon as they can, by six months is ideal. It’s important they can drink from a beaker or cup  by the time their first tooth appears
• Bottles should not be used after 12 months, unless on the advice of a healthcare professional
• Your baby’s teeth should be cleaned after the last feed at night 
• For more advice on how to look after your baby’s teeth, ask your healthcare professional or dentist
• Make sure you register your baby with a dentist
• For dental advice contact  www.dentalhealth.ie or www.dentalhealth.org.uk

For more information  click here to go to the Teeth and teething section of our website