VANCOUVER, British Columbia – With children heading back to school, the BC Dental Association (BCDA) suggests this is a good time for parents to plan for healthy lunches and snacks that can help prevent tooth decay. Parents are the best role models to show their children how to keep their teeth and mouth in good shape by instilling healthy eating and snacking habits.

"With the widespread availability of junk foods and drinks both in and outside of schools, tooth decay is just as much of a concern as obesity in children," said Dr. Tony Gill, President of the BC Dental Association. "Constant snacking and a diet of too many sugary drinks and non-nutritious foods create the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth to flourish and attack teeth, causing cavities."

Dentists suggest these tips to reduce the chances of your child getting tooth decay:

1. Pack tooth-friendly foods - Provide nutritious foods like cheese, nuts, carrot and celery sticks, fresh fruit or plain yogurt. Let your child pack their lunch so they can pick what they like and learn what's healthy.

2. Drop the pop and don't sip all day - Pop and other carbonated beverages contain acids that can eat away tooth enamel. Pop also contains lots of sugar - as do sweet drinks, including juice. Sipping all day continually coats teeth in acids or sugar. Choose milk or water instead and limit juice to meal times. Rinsing the mouth with water after lunch is a good idea if brushing is difficult to do.

3. Avoid sports drinks - Designed for athletes to rehydrate after long workouts, sports beverages contain acids - such as phosphoric and citric - that can break down tooth enamel.

4. Stay away from the sticky stuff - Avoid soft, sticky sweets that cling to teeth, like dried fruit leathers and jube jubes. Starchy foods -such as potato chips, crackers and cookies - also stick to teeth. If your child eats something sweet or sticky, encourage them to brush their teeth afterwards.

5. Support school healthy eating initiatives - Get involved with your school to provide healthier menu options and eliminate junk food vending machines.

6. Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste - Use a soft brush and toothpaste containing fluoride in the morning and at bedtime. Your child should brush more often if they snack throughout the day.

7. Book a checkup - Aside from daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, your child should visit the dentist regularly for checkups.

A healthy mouth is an essential part of a healthy body. If you have questions about your child's oral health, talk to your dentist.

SOURCE: British Columbia Dental Association

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