Everybody snacks occasionally between meals, some of us more than others. Sometimes it is because we are genuinely hungry - but equally it may be that we are bored, want something to
cheer us up, or it is simply a habit!

The snacks to keep just for occasional treats are:
• sweets and chocolates
• cakes and biscuits
• crisps and fried foods

There is no shortage of healthier alternatives to these:
• For babies from six months onwards who are at the weaning stage, try finger foods such as wholemeal toast, chapatti, pitta bread, breadsticks, banana or peeled apple slices, cooked carrot or green beans, and cubes of cheese, eg Chedder. There's no need to introduce confectionery - your child will not be deprived if you don't!

• For toddlers from one to three years
you can branch out, by offering cooked pasta twirls, raw vegetables eg cucumber, carrot sticks or slices of pepper, thin cut sandwiches cut into small pieces, fingers of toast covered with cheese spread or scrambled egg on toast with tomato slices. Plain biscuits such as crackers or rice cakes and plain yoghurt with chopped fruit are also fine. Aim to keep sugar-sweetened foods for mealtimes, and don't use them as a reward if you can help it.

• For older children and adults
suitable snacks would include sandwiches and filled rolls with fillings such as lean meat, chicken, egg, cottage cheese, tuna or sardines. Baked beans on toast, fresh fruit or unsalted nuts (for five year olds and upwards due to the risk of choking) are also healthy alternatives.

The key to protecting your teeth:
Remember that it is the frequency of consumption of sugary snacks that matters - if you can keep a bar of chocolate for eating after a meal in one go, that is much better than dipping into a bag of boiled sweets every 15 minutes throughout the day.