Children: Oral Health

Debate between Lord Bradshaw and Lord O'Shaughnessy

Monday 4th December 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord O'Shaughnessy]

Probably not by giving out lollies to say well done for coming. The noble Countess makes an important point, but some 7 million under-18s were seen by a dentist in the last year for which data is available, which is an increase on previous years, so I think that things are improving.

[Lord Bradshaw (LD)]

Will the Minister consider asking manufacturers of sugary cereals to include in the packet a free toothbrush, which would cost them very little?

[Lord O'Shaughnessy]

That is one idea that I will certainly take away. Some of the impact that we are having is on reformulation, which is perhaps even more preventive than putting toothbrushes in cereals. There is a plan to reduce sugar in key foods by 20% by 2020, specifically for the benefit of children.