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What children eat and drink, and how often, shapes their teeth as much as brushing does. Here is what the AAPD advises, from the first bottle to the teenage years.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and make acid that can wear away tooth enamel. Every time something sugary goes in, teeth are under attack again, so how often a child has sugar matters as much as how much.
The AAPD puts it simply: a diet that avoids frequent sugary foods and drinks is essential to good oral health. That does not mean no treats. It means fewer sugar times in the day, and the right drinks most of the time.
Water is the best drink for your teeth. It is like a little wash for your smile!
Juice has sugar in it, even when it comes from fruit. A whole piece of fruit is a better choice for your teeth.
Drinks are an easy place to start. The AAPD, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics agree on what young children should drink.
A few family habits make the biggest difference.
The AAPD supports avoiding added sugars before age 2, and keeping sweet tastes low in early life so a preference for sweets is less likely to set in.
Two to three healthy snacks a day at set times, sitting down. More than three sugary snacks or drinks between meals a day puts a child at high risk for cavities.
From age 2, aim for fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy, prepared without added salt, sugar or fat.
Water, ideally fluoridated tap water.
Whole fruit is better. If you have juice, keep it to a small amount.
Feeding and bedtime. The AAPD supports breastfeeding in the first year. Its cavity-prevention policy notes that bottles of sweet drinks at night, sippy cups of sugary drinks sipped through the day, and frequent or night-time breastfeeding beyond the first year are all linked with more cavities in young children. Your dentist can talk through what this means for your family.
Sugar for the whole family. The AAPD supports keeping sugar below 5% of daily energy to lower the risk of cavities and weight gain. For a sense of scale, a 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar.
Teens. The AAPD notes that many teens have a lot of snack foods, soda, coffee, energy drinks and sports drinks, which bring sugar and acid. It recommends looking at diet as part of a teen’s dental care.
The AAPD asks dentists to talk with families about diet at every visit, starting with feeding and moving on to snacks. It is a normal part of the check-up, not a judgment.
Breastfeeding has many health benefits, and the AAPD supports it in the first year. Studies suggest milk is less likely to cause cavities than sugary drinks. The AAPD notes the risk rises with frequent or night-time feeds beyond 12 months, so start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears and ask your dentist about your child’s risk.
Not for young children. The national consensus advises against drinks with low-calorie sweeteners through age 5, because their long-term effects in children are not known. Water and plain milk are the best choices.
Almond, rice and oat milks offer no unique nutrition for young children. Unsweetened versions may be useful for a milk allergy or intolerance, or for a family’s dietary choices. Ask your child’s doctor which milk is right for your child.
For everyday play, water is the better choice. Sports drinks contain added sugar, and the AAPD lists them among the sugary, acidic drinks many teens have too often. If you think your child needs one for long or intense exercise, ask their doctor.
Sometimes. The AAPD notes that sugar affects both cavities and weight, and some dentists track body mass index and refer families to a pediatric or nutrition specialist when needed. If you have concerns, your child’s doctor is a good place to start.
The statements about drinks, juice, added sugar, snacks, feeding, teens and talking about diet at visits come from the AAPD documents below, including the national consensus on healthy drinks for young children that the AAPD helped write. The tips in “Try it together” and the advice to ask your child’s doctor about sports drinks and milks are general guidance from our team.
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This website is for education only and does not replace care from your dentist, physician, or emergency services.