Dentists calling for 'sugar free' schools
Dental experts are calling for schools to do more to ensure they become "sugar free."
The Faculty of Dental Surgeons (FDS) says it would also support the publication of nutritional guidelines for packed lunches and supervised tooth brushing sessions in schools.
The call comes amid concerns over tooth decay and rising levels of childhood obesity.
The FDS said that prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, dental decay was the top reason for children aged between five and nine to be admitted to hospital and new figures suggest that a significant proportion of children have not seen a dentist since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The experts say that, in many playgrounds, sweets are given out by pupils to mark birthdays, and in some instances pupils are even given confectionary from teachers as end of term treats.
Matthew Garrett, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, said: "Tooth decay is almost completely preventable by reducing the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks, brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste and routine visits to the dentist.
"In a year that has seen visits to the dentist disrupted by the pandemic, it's even more important that we take steps to protect children's teeth.”
He added: "We believe that limiting the availability of surgery foods and drinks in schools is essential to reducing the frequency with which our children consume sugar.
"We would like to see the Government encourage all schools to become sugar free and would also support the publication of nutritional guidelines for packed lunches and the introduction of supervised tooth brushing sessions in schools."