Nutritional Considerations in Children

Children and adolescents have high nutritional requirements relative to their size in order to meet demands for growth, development and physical activity. Dietary patterns and habits established early in life will influence health in the short and longer term. Good nutritional status and good oral health are interconnected; good nutrition is essential for optimal growth, development and maintenance of all tissues and organs in the body, including the oral cavity. Poor or inadequate dietary habits can negatively impact oral health whilst oral health problems including dental caries, infection, dental erosion and soft-tissue lesions can result in inadequate nutrition which may impact weight gain and ultimately growth. This chapter describes the development of the oral anatomy and feeding skills, the impact of solid food introduction and the importance of nutrition for growth and development.