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Drink well

Key messages

The best drinks for children are tap water and plain milk.

  • Tap water contains fluoride which helps keep teeth strong and protects them from decay.
  • Bottled water does not usually have fluoride in it.
  • Milk helps keep teeth strong and healthy as it contains calcium.
  • Not flavoured milks as they contain added sugar.
  • Limit fruit juice and sugary drinks.
  • Drinking sugary drinks, and drinking them often, can lead to tooth decay.
  • No sweet (sugary) drinks in sippy cups or baby bottles.
  • Introduce a cup at around 6 months, to teach babies the skill of sipping from a cup. Phase out bottle use by 12 months of age.
  • Don't put baby to sleep with a bottle.
 

See ‘Drink well' section in Healthy Little Smiles resource kit

Learning experiences

Share messages about Drink well routinely with children

Talking points for children

  • Water cleans your mouth. It keeps your teeth and body healthy.
  • When you’re thirsty water is the best drink. You should drink water everyday.
  • Tap water has fluoride in it, which makes your teeth strong.
  • ‘Sometimes’ drinks have a lot of sugar and they can put holes in your teeth and make them sore.
  • ‘Sometimes’ drinks are milk shakes, fruit juice, cordial, fizzy drinks.
  • When you’re a big boy or big girl you should drink out of a cup, not a baby bottle.
Messages adapted from NSW Little Smiles. Dental Health Resource Package for Childcare Professionals, NSW Department of Health www.health.nsw.gov.au

Educators can support this through

  • Storytelling and narratives – For example, stories about healthy drinking, water and milk (Where does water come from? Where does milk come from?)
  • Music – For example, sing songs
  • Everyday conversations – For example, talk about healthy drinks and why they are important. Ask open ended questions: Where does water come from? Where does milk come from?
  • Role modelling – For example, snacks and meal times provide an excellent opportunity to role model healthy drinks and talk about why they are important.

Online resources and websites

Books

Songs

Engaging families

Support families to encourage Drink well through

  • Meaningful discussions
  • Give out tip sheets
  • Information in your newsletter
  • Display information in your foyer and/or noticeboard
  • Provide information at enrolment
  • Role modelling good oral health behaviours

Online resources and websites

Newsletter articles

'Healthy drinks' article in Oral health newsletter inserts for Early Childhood Services
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Tip sheets

Dental Health Services Victoria has a range of fact sheets on oral health

Drink well, Eat well, Clean well – tip cards
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Why no sweet drinks for children
Royal Children’s Hospital website: www.rch.org.au

Healthy drinks for healthy kids
Raising Children’s Network website: http://raisingchildrennet.au

How many sugars in drinks
Food watch website: http://foodwatch.com.au

Choose Water to Drink
NSW Health website: www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au

For the Aboriginal community

Healthy Smiles for under 5
NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Rethink sugary drinks, Victorian Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Service

Professional practice and organisational policies

Develop policies and procedures

Outline your commitment to oral health, including healthy food and drink, preventive approaches and access to dental care in your organisation’s policies.

A policy document provides clear, consistent information for all staff and carers working with children, as well as for parents and families. Thorough policies can demonstrate a commitment to healthy eating and oral health, and ensure a high quality of practice.

Sample policy: Healthy eating and oral health sample policy
Healthy Together Victoria Achievement Program website: http://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-services

Create a healthy environment

  • Support and provide a safe place for breastfeeding.
  • Ensure children have access to water to drink throughout the day.
  • Remind children to have a drink of water regularly.
  • Make sure foods offered at celebrations are in line with the healthy food and drink and oral health policies. Provide healthy alternatives to birthday cake and other treats.
  • If your service provides food, have your menu assessed by the Healthy Together Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Online resources and websites

Infant Feeding Guidelines,
NHMRC website: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines

Australian Dietary Guidelines,
NHMRC website: www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines

find your nearest dental clinic

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