Childrens Treats? A Cause for Concern

Dr Alex Bratic (Dentist)
8 years ago

Rates of tooth decay were steadily declining in Australia through the 1970’s and 80’s to a low point in the mid 1990’s. Since then rates have again increased back to where they were in the 1980’s. What is responsible for this increase?

As a father of two girls aged 6 and 9 I have noticed social and dietary changes that have contributed to this trend. In our house my wife & I keep the sugar to a minimum. In general, on a day-to-day basis in our house there is no soft drink, juice, biscuits, cakes, ice-cream, chocolates or lollies.

I know, sounds like no fun but they do have tuckshop once a week, relatively healthy snacks at home & usually on the weekend if we are out the girls might score something special or two. We need to be firm with the “day to day” because too often sugary treats still come their way.

Most Common Sources of Sugary Treats

Here are a few sources of “sugary treats” that I have noticed that you might not be entirely aware of. These actually add up to a fair amount of sugar in a year.

Extra-curricular activities – Lollies or chocolates handed out at the end of a session to reward for participation (could be a couple of times a week depending on what your child is involved in).

Birthday parties – Class parties on the weekends seem to be so frequent. Often if the birthday falls during the week cupcakes or ice creams are also sent to school. With 25 children or more in each class that’s a fair amount of sugar over a year.

Treats from family & friends – It is certainly is my experience that the Grandparents of my children just love to see the smiles on their granddaughters face when they sneak them a sugary treat every time they see them.

An occasional lolly here and there is not a big deal. The problem these days is that it is not an occasional lolly. If you actually added up the treats from Easter, Christmas, birthdays, birthday parties, visits from grandparents & other family members & friends, treat rewards from school & other extra curricular activities you would see that there is a fair amount of sugar being consumed.

We need to get back to basics and remember that sugar is what bacteria use as a food source to multiply and cause decay. Small treats do add up over the course of a year & too put a smile on, not only your children’s face, but the “decay causing bacteria” in their mouth as well! Rates of decay is on the increase & with rates of obesity also a cause for concern, reducing the sugar in our children’s overall diet can only be a good thing.

Alex Bratic Dental Care Helps You Keep A Healthy and Decay-free Smile

Alex Bratic Dental Care is conveniently located on City Road at Beenleigh. We are close to transport and our onsite parking is free and very easy to access.

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