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Policy on Nutrition and Dietary Counseling in the Pediatric Dental Setting

Policy statement

The AAPD recognizes a healthy diet in early childhood is essential to optimal growth and development and prevention of chronic diet-related diseases such as caries, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Through dietary and nutritional counseling, dentists assume a significant role in preventing oral disease and promoting overall health among children. The AAPD especially recognizes the importance of and supports:

  • breastfeeding of infants prior to 12 months of age to ensure the best possible health and developmental and psychosocial outcomes for infants.
  • introducing plain, fluoridated water to the infant’s diet beginning at age 6 months for hydration, to familiarize the child with the taste, and for the caries-protective benefits of fluoride.
  • fluoridated water as the preferred source of hydration for children and adolescents.
  • avoiding added sugars in the diet of children younger than age 2 and minimizing exposure to sweet-tasting drinks and foods during early life to reduce taste preferences for sweets.
  • recommendations from the USDA for individuals aged 2 and older to consume a diet of nutrient-dense lean or low-fat foods from across 5 food groups (ie, fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy) that are prepared without added salt, starches, sugars, or fat.
  • limiting consumption of sugar to less than 5% of total energy intake to reduce children’s risk of weight gain and dental caries.
  • establishing healthy beverage consumption patterns during the first 5 years to promote intake of healthy nutrients, limit excess intake of sugars and saturated fats, and initiate beneficial long-term dietary habits.
  • unsweetened nutrient-dense snacks that supplement meals to meet daily nutritional requirements.
  • avoiding drinks with nonsugar sweeteners and beverages with caffeine and other stimulants to minimize potential health-related risks.
  • additional health practices such as meal portion control and energy balance to help prevent overweight and obesity.

Furthermore, the AAPD encourages:

  • education of health professionals and the public regarding the bidirectional relationship between systemic health and oral health as well as healthy dietary patterns and daily nutritional requirements, including awareness of the sugar content of foods and beverages.
  • oral healthcare professionals to identify children whose dietary patterns place them at increased risk for dental caries and obesity and, when necessary, refer for dietary counseling from a pediatric or nutritional specialist.
  • a healthy, active lifestyle so energy consumption and energy expenditure promote general health and wellbeing.
  • public policies and nutrition assistance programs that enhance access to nutritious food to improve overall health outcomes.
  • additional research on the benefits and effects of long-term consumption of nonsugar sweeteners and full-fat dairy products by children.