The summer holidays are almost drawing to a close and you may be shocked to hear the revelation that children eat 5 times more sugar during the summer than any other time of the year, with the biggest culprits being ice cream, sugary drinks. A mere 1 in 10 parents reported that their child eats more vegetables over the school summer holidays.
A recent survey of 1000 parents with children aged between 2 – 17 concluded that sugar intake significantly increases during the school holidays.A group clinical director of mydentist.co.uk Nyree Whiteley, said that ‘After a long period of increased sugar intake, the summer holidays are one of the most vital times of the year to book a check-up for your children.’ Tooth extraction is the most common reason for hospital admissions for children between 5-9-year olds and according to data collected by the NHS, only 58% of children visited the dentist. It is essential that your child visits the dentist bi-annually and at the very least, annually, particularly when their adult teeth begin to come through.
Lack of structure
With no school routine, it’s easy to see how parents find it challenging to keep a good eye on their child’s oral health and hygiene, especially when their kids go to sleepovers and are under the supervision of others or if work commitments limit the time that they can spend keeping an eye on their children’s’ teeth. Levels of discipline are also likely to drop over these periods, with parents being more lax about their child’s routine.
Your child’s pre-autumn term check-up
A check-up before your child goes back to school in September is extremely valuable, helping to highlight any problems after a period of 6 weeks where they have consumed more sugar than usual. Check-up appointments are useful in flagging up any potential problems and educating your child about the dangers of neglecting a structured brushing and flossing routine as well as the dangers of eating foods high in sugar.
If you would like to arrange a hygienist or dentist appointment here at Cornerhouse Dental, please do not hesitate to contact us.
