Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is the most prevalent chronic disease of US children. The importance of diet has long been well established through laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies.

Children, now more than ever, are consuming high fat, high sugar diets leaving them at higher risk for obesity and caries. The growth of the food industry and ease of access to highly processed foods has helped lead to the progression of childhood chronic diseases. Educating parents and their children about healthy eating is important, but more critical is determining why they are eating the way they are and the consistent follow up that leads to behavioral change.

Dental Caries Dietary Risk Factors

Infant and Toddler (0-3 years old) Sleeping with a bottle Continued sipping from sippy cup Excessive juice intake Prolonged and intensive on-demand breast feeding

Preschooler (3- 6 years old) Gummy vitamins Excessive juice intake Introduction of more sugary snacks

School-Aged Child (6-12 years old) Soda and sports drink consumption Erratic eating patterns Excessive snacking on sugary foods

Adolescent (12 to 18 years old) Orthodontics Soda and sports drink consumption Erratic eating patterns Excessive snacking on sugary foods

Now that you have learned about registered dietitians, let’s bring this knowledge into practice.