Battle by Tower Hamlets health chief to cut sugar in children’s diet
Little Maidah at 22 months learns to brush her own teeth, watched by her mum Shabana Begum. Picture: LBTH - Credit: LBTH
A month-long campaign to fight tooth decay and child obesity has been started by Tower Hamlets Council to tackle numbers of overweight youngsters which are among the highest in the country.
Parents are being invited to free sessions at ideas stores to find out how to brush their child’s milk teeth.
“There’s too much sugar in children’s diets,” Tower Hamlets public health director Dr Somen Banerjee said. “We have an obligation to give children the healthiest start possible.”
The council is one of the first in London to sign a local government charter to reduce sugar, child obesity and dental decay.
Shabana Begum realised the importance of brushing her 22-month-old daughter Maidah’s teeth after a health session at her play group.
She said: “I never thought about a daily routine, as she only has her baby teeth. I used to give her sweets to keep her quiet in her buggy.”
Now mum knows better—and gives Maidah fresh fruit when they’re out.
