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.
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS@lscft.nhs.uk
Need mental health support?
Call 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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.
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.