Snacks, sugar and cavities: what parents should know

Every time we eat sugar, the bacteria on our teeth produce acid for around 20 minutes. Frequent snacking means teeth are under attack all day.

Swap sticky sweets and biscuits for fruit, paneer cubes, makhana, nuts (for older kids) and plain yoghurt.

Keep sweets with meals rather than between them, and offer water after eating.

Avoid putting babies to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. It is one of the most common causes of early childhood cavities.