Sir, - Contrary to a previous letter in this column (May 22nd), Ireland can be proud of its excellent record in improving the dental health of its young people. The spectacular fall in caries rates among young people over the past 30 years is the envy of the developed world and Irish children now have some of the healthiest teeth in Europe.
A major report published this month by FAO/WHO indicated the key to this remarkable success story. Effective programmes to prevent and eliminate dental caries should focus on fluoridation and adequate oral hygiene, rather than sugar intake.
During the years when cereal consumption has been increasing among Irish children, dental caries rates have actually been falling dramatically. As they now enjoy more breakfast cereal per person than children in any other country, this trend can only be of considerable benefit to their overall diet and health.
The Department of Health recommends that starchy foods such as breakfast cereals should form the basis of a healthier diet. Cereals are low in fat, rich in carbohydrates, a good source of essential vitamins and iron and are eaten with milk, helping to put children on the road to healthier eating for life. Yours, etc.,
Nutrition Affairs,
Kellogg Company of Ireland.