Heatwave driving spike in sugar consumption among kids

09 July 2018

The British Dental Association has urged restraint as new figures show kids are eating five times their recommended daily sugar intake during the summer, with the heat pushing them to ice creams, lollies and soft drinks.  

A poll of 1,000 parents with children aged 2‐17 conducted by mydentist found sugar intake will be hugely boosted during the break from school. 24.5 per cent of parents estimated they gave their children twice as much sugar over summer compared to other times of year. 15.6 per cent said three times as much, with 11.5 per cent suggesting more than 5 times.

The BDA has been a leading advocate of action on sugar, including the soft drinks industry levy. It has called on parents to take responsibility over sugar consumption, and on ministers to deliver an ambitious follow up to its landmark Obesity Strategy, with measures to restrict the marketing, sale and formulation of sugary products.

Every ten minutes a child in England has a tooth removed in hospital due to preventable decay, according to figures from Public Health England. Tooth extraction also remains the most common reason for hospital admissions in 5 to 9‐year olds.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting The Dentist. To read more, please register. Registration to the-dentist.co.uk allows you to enjoy the following benefits:

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Unlimited access to the latest news, articles and video content

  • Monthly email newsletter

  • Podcasts and members benefits, coming soon!