SIR: Most people know that sugar is the main cause of tooth decay.
However, many people, particularly children, use liquid medicines such as pain relievers, cough suppressants and vitamins, not realising that over half the spoonful is sugar. Children who are regularly given liquid medicine containing sugar, are much more likely to suffer from tooth decay.
Sugar at bedtime is especially harmful to teeth. Medicines are frequently given last thing at night to relieve pain or a tickly cough. Sugar-free medicines work just as effectively, and are just as palatable.
For a fact file on sugar-free medicines, please send a stamped addressed envelope marked 'Sugar-Free Medicines' to the British Dental Association, 64 Wimpole Street, London, W1M 8AL.
Diana Scarrott,
Head, Education and Science Department,
British Dental Association.?
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