Children consume 5 times more sugar in the Summer Holidays
It has been reported that British children end up consuming up to five times more sugar during the summer holidays than they would do at any other time of the year. This worrying statistic is due in part to the warmer weather being an excuse for more fizzy drinks and ice creams, especially as treats on an increased number of days out. Working parents that rely on free, healthy school meals throughout the year also have to ensure that their child eats a proper meal each day, which can sometimes lead to more ‘convenient’ junk food and ready meal options over the holidays, which often contain higher levels of saturated fats and sugar. Many children are also spending time with grandparents and carers throughout the holidays who are happy to hand out sweets more frequently.
The survey asked parents of children aged between 2 and 17 if they were concerned about their child’s intake of sugar over the holiday period; just 10% said their child ate more vegetables compared to 25% admitting to an increase in sugar consumption. 80% of those tested said this increase caused them concern.
Warmer weather and a lack of structure to the day without school can mean a change of routine for many. This can occasionally mean that tooth-brushing suffers as a result, and parents can sometimes forget to check if their children have brushed their teeth. With an increase in sugar consumption, it is more crucial than ever to make sure our children brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
The combination of these factors can have a detrimental effect on our children’s mouths – it is more important than ever if they are indulging in unhealthy snacks and slacking on oral hygiene to make sure that plenty of water is consumed to rinse the mouths of lingering food particles and sugar and replacing some of those treats with healthier options. Here at the practice, we find it can get quieter during the summer months, but routine check-ups are vital in maintaining your children’s oral health and should never be skipped or forgotten.
If you have concerns that the oral health of your children has been impacted this summer by an increase in sugar consumption, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at the practice. Our friendly team will put your child at ease and make sure their experience with us is a pleasant one, taking speedy appropriate action if needed. Please contact us on 020 8995 0298. We look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, please enjoy the rest of the summer and do consider some healthier snacks as well as the ice creams!
