National Smile Month

Citation

(2012), "National Smile Month", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 42 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2012.01742eaa.016

National Smile Month

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 42, Issue 5

Leading experts in toddler feeding and dental health have united to highlight the importance of diet, positive feeding habits and good oral health routines in the early years, as part of National Smile Month (20 May-20 June). Around a quarter of a million children starting primary school across the UK will already have tooth decay and the Infant & Toddler Forum (ITF) and British Dental Health Foundation are working together to raise awareness about how to avoid this wholly preventable problem. Those who learn good habits from an early age are more likely to carry them into adulthood, and the ITF – specialists in food and feeding in the under threes – has produced a sheet of simple tips to help families take positive steps towards their toddlers’ good dental health. Endorsed by the foundation, the practical, evidence – based advice includes tips on how to care for children’s teeth – including diet, bottle-feeding, tooth brushing, fluoride and medicines. Advice around what and what not to eat can also be confusing; the UK Royal College of Surgeons Dental Faculty recently reported that half of five year olds show signs of enamel erosion caused by fruit, particularly citrus fruits and encouraged schools to ban fruit juice and to offer milk and water instead.

Judy More, paediatric dietician and member of the ITF, says:

It is important to give young children the opportunity to learn to like water as a drink by offering it. Fruit juice, like other sweet drinks, causes tooth decay when drunk frequently throughout the day. If fruit juice is given as a drink it should be well diluted, for example one part juice to about six to ten parts water and served in a glass, cup or beaker, not a bottle. Sweet food, sweet drinks and fruit juices should only be given at four occasions throughout the day (e.g. 3 meals and 1 snack) to minimise the times teeth are exposed to sugar and acid. Water and milk are the only drinks that should be offered between meals and snacks.

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Foundation says, “Educating children from an early age can reap huge benefits, as the development of a good oral healthcare routine begins at a young age.”

For more information on protecting toddlers from tooth decay, download the ITF’s free “Protecting Toddlers from Tooth Decay” www.infantandtoddlerforum.org