Dentists warn 'cake culture' is ruining our teeth
Will you be cutting down?
Last updated 23rd Jan 2017
As people all around the world are trying to be healthy as part of New Year's resolutions, dentists are encouraging us to make it permanent, saying that 'workplace cake culture' is ruining our teeth.
The Faculty of Dental Surgery has said that people should reduce the amount of biscuits and cake that they eat at work. It's a regular office habit to bring in cake to reward staff, celebrate birthdays or treat workmates after returning from holiday.
Professor Hunt, Dean of the Faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons said, "While these sweet treats might be well-meaning, they are also contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health."
He explained: "We need a culture change in offices and other workplaces that encourages healthy eating."
The Faculty has issued some tips for cutting sugar consumption:
Consider low-sugar alternatives - Reduce portion sizes - Avoid snacking and keep sugar as a lunchtime treat - Keep a "sugar schedule" to limit sugar intake - Think about where sweet treats are positioned - if they are nearby and visible people may eat more
Tam Fry a spokesman for the National Obesity Forum said, "Taking cakes and biscuits into the office at any time does your workmates no favours even if you offer them to be nice.
"The dental surgeons are correct when it comes to teeth but remember they have bariatric colleagues who operate on those who just can't turn down such things."
This warning comes on the day that it's revealed children are consuming half of their daily sugar allowance during breakfast alone in the shape of sugary cereals, fruit juice and some spreads.
We'd better stick to the carrot sticks and houmous as an afternoon snack, then!