A paediatric dentistry expert at Biruni University warns that children’s habitual consumption of sugary, sticky snacks during school hours could heighten their risk of dental decay, emphasising the importance of nutritious alternatives and proper oral hygiene routines.
Children who graze on sugary, sticky snacks throughout the school day may be raising their risk of tooth decay, a paediatric dentistry expert at Biruni University has warned. Prof. Dr Gamze Aren said the problem is not only how much sugar children eat, but how often they eat it, because repeated exposure gives teeth less time to recover between attacks of acid in the mouth.
Aren said biscuits, cake, sweets, chocolate and similar snacks are particularly concerning when they are eaten repeatedly between meals. She advised parents to treat packed lunches and school snacks as part of a wider oral-health plan, not simply as a way to keep children full. In her view, fruit, cheese and other sugar-free options are better choices, with water preferred as the main drink.
Her remarks are supported by wider research. A 2025 study cited by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention found that young children who drank sugar-sweetened beverages one to three times a week had 1.7 times higher odds of cavities than those who drank none, while those consuming them four or more times a week had 2.8 times higher odds. Earlier scientific reviews have also linked added sugar with dental caries, stressing that frequency of intake matters as much as the amount eaten.
Aren also cautioned that the return to school can disrupt brushing routines as families adjust to new schedules. She said children should brush their teeth in the morning and at night, and that brushing after lunch, where possible, can help. If a child cannot brush at school, regular home brushing should not be missed, and dental check-ups remain important for spotting early problems before they worsen.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
