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BDHF backs the fight against child obesity
14th Mar 2006
The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) charity is to back a campaign to reduce childhood obesity by ridding schools of unhealthy snacks. The oral health charity said that healthy alternatives will also massively reduce levels of tooth decay and dental erosion. The BDHF was speaking after nutrition advisory body, the School Food Trust, advised government ministers that schools should stop selling confectionery, crisps and fizzy drinks to pupils. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, commented: ‘Of course if these guidelines were to be followed it would have a massive impact on childhood obesity levels – but lets not overlook the positive effect it would have on oral health. ‘It is surprising to many that tooth decay still affects almost half of all children in the UK. More surprising to some is the realisation that the problem can be beaten, simply by limiting sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. ‘With the increasing number of acidic and fizzy drinks also causing erosion, the problem of unhealthy snacking is one that needs to be addressed. ‘The progress made in the fight to improve school meals has been very welcome, but if unhealthy snacks are still readily available in schools it will be a job only half done.’ The BDHF has been actively campaigning in a bid to improve diets in schools. It has distributed letters to MP’s to encourage the signing of the Children’s Food Bill, as well as participating in the Channel 4 debate on Jamie Oliver’s school dinner campaign. In addition, the Foundation’s own National Smile Month campaign (14 May to 13 June), which takes positive oral health information to millions of people each year, is using the theme ‘Feed Your Smile’ to remind people of the importance of a healthy diet.
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