Sugar is everywhere and it is not realistic to expect children, or adults for that matter, to avoid it completely. However, being sensible can dramatically reduce the chances of getting tooth decay.

Having sugar frequently, even in small amounts, is very bad for your teeth. The decay causing bacteria need sugar to produce the acid that causes the damage to your teeth. Your body tries to block the acid but if you keep giving fuel to the bacteria you are not doing your teeth any favours!

Try to avoid sugary snacks between meals, swap sugar for sweeteners in your tea and definitely avoid fizzy drinks....a can of coke has 9 teaspoons of sugar!!

Although most sugary food is obvious, a lot of food has hidden sugar in it. For example, ketchup, baked beans and even some soups.

Some concern has been raised about fromage frais type puddings which appear healthy but have sugar and fruit acids and seem to cause a lot of decay.

As a rule of thumb processed sugar is much worse than that occuring naturally in fruit etc.