An innovative strategy to promote oral health in schoolchildren

It is believed that the single most important factor affecting the incidence of dental caries in children is the frequency of exposure of teeth to non-milk extrinsic sugars, particularly sucrose, in the diet. Restricting consumption of sugar-containing snacks and drinks to mealtimes makes a significant contribution to the reduction of dental caries in children and consequent improvement in oral health. Many schools offer children sugar-containing drinks and snacks at break-times although they may give children the option of healthy food choices at mealtimes. Attempts by dentists to persuade schools to change their break-time food and drink policies may be met with moderate success, especially with respect to drinks. Recently a sugar-free cup drink has been made available to schools in an attractive package and at an attractive price. An innovative campaign to promote sugar-free cup drinks in schools is described. By this campaign a reduction of dental caries' experience in schoolchildren may be achieved. Proposals are made for sugar-free cup drinks to be recognised as a safe confectionery and to be endorsed with the 'Tooth-friendly Sweets' logo.