Anticipatory Guidance

Discuss with Adolescent and/or Parents: (continued)

Nutrition

• Eating health foods such as fruit, vegetables, grain products (especially whole grain), and dairy products (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened yogurt) for meals and snacks. Limit eating (grazing) in between.
• Eating foods containing sugar at mealtimes only (not between meals), and limiting 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 dried fruit, fruit-roll-ups, and candy, increases the risk for tooth decay. When checking for sugar, looking 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.
• Choosing fruit rather than fruit juice.
• Drinking water or milk between meals rather than fruit juice or sweetened beverages (e.g., fruit drinks, soda).
• If the school has vending machines, choosing water or milk rather than fruit juice or sweetened beverages (e.g., fruit drinks, soda).
• Drinking fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated water source) to prevent tooth decay; for families that prefer bottled water, drinking a brand in which fluoride is added at a concentration of approximately 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L (ppm) is recommended.