A healthy diet is important for general and oral health All food and drink containing sugars should be consumed as part of a meal, and not as snacks between meals. Avoid sugary foods and drinks at bedtime when saliva flow and its protective effects are lower.
Sugar free snacks
- Fruit and vegetables
- Fresh fruit, not dried
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber sticks
Top tip: try them with a natural, plain yoghurt dip.
Crackers and crisps
- Cream crackers
- Crispbread/rice cakes
- Unsweetened popcorn
- Plain crisps, ideally low fat/low salt
Top tip: check the label to make sure they don’t contain sugar
Savoury snacks
- Toast/crumpets
- Plain bread sticks
- Chapattis/pitta bread
- Cottage cheese/plain cheese
- Cold meats and eggs
Drinks
- Plain milk
- Plain water
Top tip: these are the only drinks that are safe for teeth between meals.
Guidance for children
Fizzy drinks, juice and squash sweetened with sugar should not be included in a child’s daily diet.
Need mental health support?
Need urgent help? For 24/7 mental health support call 111 and select the mental health option If you have a hearing problem or need advice in another language, visit NHS 111 website.
Text support can be reached by messaging Shout, which is a free, confidential and 24/7 texting service. Simply text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Further support is available through Kooth offering self-help resources, online messaging and support for young people aged 11 to 25.
Additionally, the Hub of Hope provides a directory of mental health support and services across the UK.
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