Childrens Treats A Cause for Concern

Childrens Treats? A Cause for Concern

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.