Which dietary practices reduce dental caries risk in preschoolers?

• A. Increase added sugars and fermentable carbohydrates
• B. Limit added sugars and fermentable carbohydrates; brush with fluoride toothpaste; limit nighttime snacks; use fluoride water; regular dental visits
• C. Avoid fluoride toothpaste
• D. Brush only once a week

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that reducing sugar intake while maintaining protective fluoride exposure and regular dental care lowers caries risk in preschoolers. Limiting added sugars and fermentable carbohydrates reduces the substrate available for harmful oral bacteria, so acid production and enamel demineralization happen less often. Using fluoride toothpaste provides topical fluoride that strengthens enamel and promotes remineralization, which helps prevent early lesions from progressing. Limiting nighttime snacks cuts down on prolonged acid exposure when saliva flow is lowest, a time when the teeth are most vulnerable. Fluoridated water adds ongoing fluoride exposure to support enamel resistance, and regular dental visits allow early detection, prevention strategies, and reinforcement of good habits. Brushing only once a week or avoiding fluoride toothpaste would remove these protections and increase risk.