Children in East Anglia have ten times more sugar during the summer

Children in East Anglia have ten times more sugar during the summer Credit: ITV Anglia

Children in East Anglia are consuming up to ten times as much sugar in their daily diet over the summer period. It's more than anywhere else in the country.

With the school holidays round the corner almost 1 in 5 parents in the east admit they allow their child extra sugary treats over the summer break. 3 in 5 also admit that they won't take their child for a dental check-up during that time. 

A child in England has a tooth removed in hospital every 10 minutes because of tooth decay. Holidays, shopping for new school shoes and clothes and playdates are all considered to be more important than a quick check up at the dentist.

Check-ups for children are free on the NHS and they should attend as often as their dentist advises. If necessary, children are also entitled to a free fluoride treatment that can help protect their teeth and prevent against decay.