There's a reason many dentists recommend limiting between-meal snacks. Whenever your child eats, the teeth are bathed in food particles and sugars that can cause decay. ''The more often food comes in contact with teeth, the more chance there is for decay,'' explains Dr. Matranga. If your child brushes after each snack, the damage is limited. Pick snack foods carefully. Some snacks are worse for teeth than others, notes Dr. Kuttler.
Dentists say the best choices are cheese, air-popped popcorn and raw vegetables.
Dr. Kuttler says, and juice can also be harmful. This doesn't mean you have to deny your child these foods or drinks, but your child should only eat or drink them when he can brush afterward, advises Dr. Kuttler. Grasp at straws. If your child does drink soda or juice, she can minimize the potential tooth damage by drinking from a straw. This removes some of the loose food particles and sugar,'' says Fong.