Children: Oral Health

Debate between Lord Lexden and Lord O'Shaughnessy

Monday 4th December 2017 Lords Chamber

[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.

[Lord Lexden (Con)]

Does not part of the answer to this problem lie in that attractive four-letter word “milk”? Does not research evidence show that milk helps to protect the teeth of young children, as well as combating obesity?

[Lord O'Shaughnessy]

I am sure that milk does have those benefits. I should also point out that one of the best things one can do for all bone health is to have vitamin D and calcium supplements, which are recommended for young children.