Brushing doesn't stop effects of sugar on children's teeth

Children who snack all day instead of eating just three meals a day are more likely to have tooth decay -- as brushing their teeth can't ward off the effects of sugary treats.

A study based on a sample of nearly 4,000 pre-school children shows snacking habits are most strongly associated with decay.

Researchers found children who snack all day -- compared with just eating meals -- are far more likely to have dental decay.

The study also found that tooth brushing only partly protects against the effects of sugary snacks on children's teeth.

Researchers say the study shows relying on tooth brushing alone to ward off dental decay in children under five is not enough.

Dental decay

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow used statistical models and survey data to predict dental decay by age five.

They used data collected on diet and oral hygiene from repeated observation of children from ages two to five.

Snacking was the factor most strongly associated with decay, with children who snack all day without eating meals having twice the chance of decay.

This was compared with those who did not snack at all.

Lead researcher Dr Valeria Skafida, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political and Sciences, says restricting sugar intake is desirable for both nutritional reasons and for children's dental health.

Dr Skafida said: "Even with targeted policies that specifically aim to reduce inequalities in children's dental decay it remains an ongoing challenge to reduce social patterning in dental health outcomes."