DT News - UK - Poor food choices cause dental problems in UK children

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 18 April 2013

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LONDON & RUGBY, UK: A recently published survey has suggested that UK parents may put the oral health of their children at risk by giving them the wrong foods and drinks. Among other findings, the survey revealed that almost two-thirds of the children aged 12 to 18 months consumed sugary food, preserves and confectionery on a daily basis.

The investigators observed that the mean consumption of sugar, preserves and confectionery ranged from 3 to 8 g per day. Moreover, the proportion of children consuming these foods increased with age: 7 per cent of those aged 4 to 6 months were consuming these foods, compared with 62 per cent of those aged 12 to 18 months. Similar results were found for savoury snacks.

In addition, they observed an increasing number of children consuming fruit juices and soft drinks, which have been associated with dental erosion by a number of studies. About 8 per cent of the children aged 4 to 6 months consumed 11 g of juice daily. This number rose to 26 per cent for those aged 12 to 18 months, who had a mean daily intake of 50 g. The proportion of children consuming soft drinks ranged from 6 to 26 per cent, with a mean daily consumption of 43 g for the children aged 4 to 6 months, increasing to 158 g for those aged 12 to 18 months.

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, the study results demonstrate an important problem regarding the oral health of UK children. The foundation stated that 41 per cent of five-year-olds had tooth decay in 2003 and 31 per cent of this age group had decayed teeth by 2008. Dr Nigel Carter, OBE, the organisation’s chief executive, recommends a balanced diet for babies and small children that includes low sugar, savoury foods, and still water and milk.

The 2011 Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children is the only source of detailed information on the food consumption, nutrient intake and nutritional status of children aged 4 to 18 months. It was conducted between January and August 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health and Food Standards Agency. It involved almost 2,700 children.

The full report can be downloaded from the Department of Health’s website.

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