Children’s Teeth and Healthy Eating Habits
An Australian Dentist’s Guide for Parents
When it comes to children’s dental health, brushing and flossing are important—but healthy eating habits play an even bigger role than many Australian parents realise.
As dentists, we commonly see tooth decay in children caused not by poor brushing, but by frequent snacking, grazing, and repeated exposure to sugar throughout the day.
Understanding how diet affects children’s teeth can help prevent cavities and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Baby Teeth Are Important
Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) are vital for:
- Chewing and proper nutrition
- Speech development
- Holding space for adult teeth
- Confidence and comfort
Early childhood tooth decay can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, and may affect the development of permanent teeth.
The Biggest Issue: Grazing and Frequent Snacking
One of the most common causes of tooth decay in Australian children is grazing—eating small amounts of food or sipping drinks repeatedly throughout the day.
Each time your child eats or drinks something containing sugar or refined carbohydrates, bacteria in the mouth produce acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel for up to an hour.
If a child is:
- Constantly snacking
- Sipping juice, cordial, or soft drink
- Eating “on the go”
…their teeth are under constant acid attack, with little time to recover.
👉 It’s not just how much sugar children eat, but how often their teeth are exposed to it.
Sugar and Children’s Teeth
Sugar fuels the bacteria that cause tooth decay. High-sugar foods and drinks significantly increase the risk of cavities—especially when consumed frequently.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
For the best dental health, these should be avoided or kept for very occasional treats:
- Soft drinks (including diet and zero varieties, which are still acidic)
- Lollies and candy
- Chocolate
- Sweet biscuits and cakes
- Fruit juice and cordial
- Sports drinks and flavoured waters
Even “natural” sugars, such as those found in fruit juice, can damage teeth when consumed often.
Healthy Eating Habits for Strong Teeth
1. Stick to Regular Meal Times
Aim for:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- One or two planned snacks
This reduces the number of acid attacks on your child’s teeth.
2. Avoid Grazing
Encourage children to eat at set times rather than constantly snacking. Avoid letting children carry food or sip sugary drinks between meals.
3. Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Good snack options for children’s teeth include:
- Cheese
- Plain yoghurt
- Fresh vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber)
- Nuts (age-appropriate)
- Eggs
- Whole fresh fruit (instead of juice)
These foods are lower in sugar and some help protect tooth enamel.
4. Make Water the Main Drink
In Australia, tap water contains fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
- Water should be the drink of choice between meals
- Milk is a good option at meal times
- Avoid juice, cordial, and soft drinks as everyday drinks
Practical Dental Tips for Australian Parents
- Keep sugary foods for special occasions, not daily snacks
- If your child has something sweet, offer it with a meal, not between meals
- Encourage drinking water after eating
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (age-appropriate amount)
- Start dental visits early—by age 1 or when the first tooth appears
- Take advantage of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) if eligible
Final Thoughts
Good dental health starts with good habits.
✔ Reduce sugar
✔ Avoid grazing
✔ Choose tooth-friendly foods
✔ Make water the main drink
Helping children develop healthy eating habits early can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and support strong, healthy smiles for life.
Dr. Aditya Midha
Principal Dentist
Bluewater Dental Tuggerah
