Head Start

Can foods high in sugar cause tooth decay?

Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar (for example, candy, cookies, cake, sweetened beverages, or fruit juice) greatly increases the risk of developing tooth decay. Even very small amounts of these foods consumed frequently over the course of a day will create an acid environment in the mouth that increases the risk of developing tooth decay. If foods high in sugar are consumed before bedtime, the risk of developing tooth decay is even greater. The acid buildup bathes the teeth longer, since there is less saliva flow to clear the mouth during sleep.

To reduce infants' and children's risk of developing tooth decay, follow the recommendations listed below.

• Breastfeed rather than feeding an infant forumula.

• Do not dip pacifiers in sweetened foods like sugar or honey.

• Do not put the infant or child to sleep with a bottle or allow frequent and prolonged bottle feedings or use of a sippy cup containing beverages high in sugar (such as fruit drinks, soda, or fruit juice), milk, or formula during the day or at night.

• Beverages other than milk or water should be served only with meals.

• Not introducing juice into infants' diets before age 6 months.

• For infants and children ages 6 months and older, don't serve any juice except 100 percent fruit juice or reconstituted juice. Limit the amount of juice to 4 to 6 ounces per day because it contains sucrose, a sugar that causes tooth decay. Avoid serving fruit juice concentrates that have added sugar, such as high-fructose corn syrup.

• Serve the infant or child juice in a cup (never serve juice in a bottle). Serve juice with other foods at mealtime (never by itself). If juice is consumed by itself, rinse the mouth with water.

• Make sure the infant or child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks.

• Serve age-appropriate healthy snacks such as fruit (preferably whole fruit vs. juice), vegetables, grain products (especially whole grain), and dairy products instead of foods high in sugar such as candy, cookies, cake, or sweetened beverages (such as fruit drinks and soda).

• Reinforce good eating habits, including eating at planned meals and snacks and avoiding snacking throughout the day.

Performance Standards

1304.23(a)(3)

1304.23(b)(1)(v)

1304.23(b)(1)(vi)

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition. 2001. The Use and Misue of Fruit Juice in Pediatrics. Pediatrics 107(5):1210-1213.

Casamassimo P, Holt K, eds. 2004. Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health—Pocket Guide. Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Health Oral Health Resource Center.


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