Sugar is everywhere and it is not realistic to expect children, or adults for that matter, to avoid it completely. However, being sensible can dramatically reduce the chances of getting tooth decay.

Having sugar frequently, even in small amounts, is very bad for your teeth. The bacteria that cause decay need sugar in order to produce the acid that causes the damage to your teeth. Your body tries to block the acid, but if you keep giving fuel to the bacteria you are not doing your teeth any favours!

Try to avoid sugary snacks between meals, swap sugar for sweeteners in your tea and definitely avoid fizzy drinks....a can of coke has 9 teaspoons of sugar!! There are some new juice drinks that have calcium added - which are better than traditional juices.

Although most sugary food is obvious, a lot of food has hidden sugar in it. For example, ketchup, baked beans and even some soups.

Some concern has been raised about fromage-frais type puddings which appear healthy but have sugar and fruit acids and seem to cause a lot of decay.
As a rule, thumb processed sugar is much worse than that occurring naturally in fruit etc. Processed sugar is the prime cause of tooth decay. Sugar is present is everything sweet (unless artificial sweeteners are used) and thus has a tendency to cause tooth decay. In addition sugar is hidden in items you wouldn't expect. Frequency of sugar consumption is one of the most important factors in tooth decay; try to avoid sugary snacks between meals and sugar in tea or coffee.

Look on our diet page for advice.