Your child will have a mixture of both baby and adult teeth. Their oral health and nutrition is important for their general health, mental and social wellbeing, and educational development.
What’s happening to our children’s teeth – film
Read the transcript for this film: ‘what’s happening to our children’s teeth’
Between these ages, your child will be experimenting with many new foods and drinks so you need to know what sugars do to their teeth, as well as continuing to encourage toothbrushing.
Young children have small appetites and need regular meals with snacks in between, this provides them with the energy that they need to grow and keep them active. Whilst children do need some full fat foods in their diet, it is important to encourage healthy eating by reducing overall snacking and concentrate on providing healthy family meals.
Childsmile has put together some ideas to help you provide a variety of healthy snacks for both you and your children to enjoy at home and at school or play.
Dried fruit and fresh fruit juice can be counted as one portion each of your five-a-day fruit and vegetables. However, they contain hidden sugars and are best taken at mealtimes.
Your child will also be receiving fluoride varnish at least twice a year in dental practices and a further two applications in some schools.
- What happens at school?
- Find out more about going to the dentist with your child.