Top tips for medication and supplements
Overview
The timing and frequency of some medicines can impact your child’s teeth. Medicines often include sugar to improve their taste, making them more palatable. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.
The timing of medication
Taking sugary medicines at night or between meals can be particularly harmful because the saliva flow, which naturally helps to wash away and neutralise acids, is reduced.
Tip: It may be helpful to give these medications at meal times or to brush your child’s teeth after taking them if they must be taken on an empty stomach.
How often your child takes medication
The more frequently teeth are exposed to sugar from medications, the greater the risk of developing dental problems.
Top Tip
If medicine needs to be taken multiple times a day, consider asking for a sugar-free alternative. These small steps make a difference in overall dental care. The section below may help with having these conversations with your healthcare professional.
Talking with your General Practitioner (GP) or wider health care professional
It’s important to talk with your General Practitioner (GP) or other healthcare professionals for tailored medical advice, especially regarding medications for children. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your child’s specific health needs. Make sure to ask about sugar-free medication options during these discussions. Sugar-free medications help lower the risk of tooth decay, which is especially important for children on long-term medications. According to NICE guidance, sugar-free versions of medications should be prescribed whenever possible.
When having these conversations, think about the following:
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Ask about alternatives - if your child is prescribed medication, you can ask your healthcare provider if a sugar-free option is available.
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Clearly communicate your preferences - inform your GP/ wider health care professional about your preference for sugar-free medications. This is especially important if your child is prescribed a medication that they need to take regularly, as sugary formulations could lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.
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Highlight the importance of having tooth-friendly alternatives - allow your GP/ wider health care professional to be aware of the importance you place on oral health so that this can be considered when prescriptions are written.
Always check the labels of over-the-counter medications for sugar content, and choose sugar-free versions when available.
We also have some information on how to speak with schools about eating and drinking here.
Key messages
Watch again
Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about reducing sugary foods and drinks.
