Sheffield family GP and dental hygienist share tips on how to have a tooth friendly Easter
As Easter approaches and shelves fill with chocolate eggs, doctors and dentists have come together to urge parents to think carefully about how many sugary treats their children receive, highlighting the impact that excess chocolate can have on young teeth and overall oral health.
Almost a quarter of 5‑year‑olds in England have experienced dental decay, much of it linked to frequent sugar consumption. Tooth decay remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among children under the age of ten in England** despite being largely preventable through good oral hygiene and reduced sugar intake.
Family GP Dr Marion Sloan from Sheffield says, "Easter should be fun but it doesn't have to mean a mountain of chocolate. Swapping some of the chocolate for gifts like a skipping rope, a football, a paint set or even plants for the garden still feels exciting for children. It's a simple way to encourage healthier habits and it can also protect their teeth without taking away the joy of Easter".
When children snack on chocolate throughout the day, their teeth are repeatedly exposed to sugar which feeds bacteria in the mouth and leads to acid attacks on tooth enamel. Frequent consumption of sugar-containing foods and drinks is one of the main culprits of dental decay in children and many children are consuming more than twice the amount of sugar they need.
Rather than gifting multiple large eggs from parents, grandparents, friends and relatives, GPs and dentists are encouraging families to "balance the basket" by mixing a smaller amount of chocolate with non-food treats such as:
- Outdoor play gifts like a skipping rope, football or bubble wand
- Creative presents like paint sets, craft kits or colouring books
- Nature-themed surprises like seeds or plants for the garden or bug-viewing kits
These alternatives last longer than a single sugar hit and support children's physical activity, creativity and connection with nature.
Hygienist Emma Nelson from the Dental Referral Centre in Dronfield says, "Parents often tell us they feel uncomfortable with the sheer volume of Easter eggs children receive but don't want to be the 'bad guy'. By suggesting fun, non-food gifts to friends and family, you can protect your child's teeth and still give them a magical Easter".
Here are Dr Sloans simple, practical tips for families:
- Keep chocolate and sweets to mealtimes rather than grazing all day
- Offer water or milk instead of sugary drinks
- Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste especially before bed
- Supervise brushing for younger children to make sure all surfaces are cleaned
- Encourage children to wait at least an hour after eating before brushing to allow enamel to recover
- Book regular dental check-ups
Emma continues, "DenTek’s Kids Fun Flossers are designed especially for smaller mouths and little hands, helping children get to those tricky in‑between spaces while they’re still learning a good technique. These colourful picks help remove food debris and plaque between teeth – the place cavities love to start".
“A little chocolate is fine but keeping an eye on how much and how often and by encouraging active, imaginative alternatives, families can enjoy Easter while protecting children's teeth for the future", concludes Marion.
Keep both the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy happy this Easter!