Sugar free treats could harm children’s dental health
Consumer activists in Sydney have warned parents that sugar free treats and snacks could be damaging to children’s dental health.
Brad Schmitt, a journalist, said that parents are unaware of the acidic content of sugar free snacks, which are often marketed as being healthy alternatives to sweets and chocolate. Snacks such as Kellogg’s Nutri Grain bars are high in harmful acids, which weaken the enamel surfaces of the teeth and make them less resistant to decay caused by bacteria.
Neil Hewson, of the Australian Dental Association, said that occasional treats will not harm dental health but eating sugary and acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis will cause the enamel on the teeth to become worn and damaged. Hewson said that parents should encourage their children to eat a healthy and balanced diet and adopt a good daily oral hygiene routine. Rates of tooth decay amongst young children are increasing year on year across the world, with a poor diet, high in sugary convenience foods considered as a principal cause.
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