Originally published in 2019.
Republished in 2022 following global agreement validation.
The 2022 version reflects methodological standardisation within the IAPD Consensus & Foundational Articles framework and formal evaluation of international agreement. No substantive changes were made to the clinical recommendations.
Diet plays a fundamental role in the development and prevention of dental caries in children. Frequent consumption of free sugars, particularly in foods and beverages, increases the risk of caries by promoting the growth of cariogenic bacteria and repeated acid attacks on tooth surfaces.
Preventive strategies should therefore include guidance on healthy dietary habits, reduction of free sugar intake, and promotion of balanced nutrition.
Core principles include:
By addressing dietary risk factors early in life, oral health professionals can contribute significantly to the prevention of dental caries and the promotion of lifelong healthy habits.
Frequent consumption of foods and beverages containing free sugars is strongly associated with the development of dental caries.
Reducing the intake and frequency of free sugars is an effective strategy for preventing dental caries in children.
Dietary counselling should be included as part of comprehensive caries prevention programmes in paediatric dental care.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Parents and caregivers should be advised to limit children’s consumption of foods and drinks containing added sugars, particularly between meals.
Health professionals should promote healthy dietary habits that support both oral and general health.
Dietary guidance should be integrated with other preventive measures, including oral hygiene practices and appropriate fluoride use.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Topics related to caries prevention, nutrition, and healthy habits in children are discussed in the IAPD Podcast Series.
▶ Listen to the Podcast
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars address preventive strategies for dental caries, including the role of diet and nutrition.
Understanding the role of sugars and diet in caries; Implications for its management – Dr. Rodrigo Giacaman
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Diet and Dental Caries.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
