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- To prevent the transmission
of bacteria that cause tooth decay from the parent
(especially the mother) via
saliva to the child, avoid sharing utensils (e.g.,
spoons) or cleaning a pacifier or a bottle
with a nipple with saliva.
- Continue to encourage the child to drink from a cup.
Wean the child from the bottle by age 12-14 months.
- Do not put the child to sleep with a bottle or
sippy cup or allow frequent and prolonged
bottle feedings or use of sippy cups containing
beverages high in sugar (e.g., fruit drinks,
soda, fruit juice), milk, or formula during the
day or at night to prevent sugary fluids from
pooling around the teeth, which
can increase the child's risk for tooth decay.
- Serve age-appropriate healthy foods during planned
meals and snacks, and limit eating (grazing)
in between.
- Serve fruit, vegetables, grain products (especially
whole grain), and dairy products (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened yogurt).
- Serve foods containing sugar at mealtimes only
(not between meals), and limit the amount.
Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar,
such as candy,
cookies, cake, sweetened beverages (e.g., fruit
drinks, soda), and fruit juice increases the risk
for tooth
decay. In addition, frequent consumption of foods
that easily adhere to the tooth surface, such as
fruit-roll-ups and candy, increases the risk for
tooth decay. When checking for sugar, look beyond
the sugar bowl and candy dish. A variety of foods
contain one or more types of sugar, and all types
of sugars can promote tooth decay.
- Encourage the child to eat fruit rather than drink
fruit juice to meet the recommended daily fruit intake.
- Serve the child juice in a cup, and limit the
child's
consumption of juice to 4 to 6 oz per day. Serve
100 percent fruit juice or reconstituted juice.
- If the child drinks beverages between meals, encourage
the child to drink water or milk rather than fruit
juice or sweetened beverages (e.g., fruit drinks,
soda).
- Drink fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated
water source) to prevent tooth decay; for families
that prefer bottled water, drink a brand in which
fluoride is added at a concentration of approximately
0.7 to 1.2 mg/L (ppm).
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