Sir, I read recently with great appreciation the interview with Kathryn Harley (BDJ 2013; 214: 85–87). Her inspiring enthusiasm for providing much needed paediatric dental care was exceptionally motivating. As a Foundation Dentist working in Scarborough I was surprised to find, on seeing families for the first time, how many parents were not aware of the basics required for the oral health needs of their children. It was soon apparent how other sources of information, such as health visitors as Dr Harley comments, or indeed the media, have provided advice which in some cases can be quite detrimental to the developing dentition.

The most notable of these is fruit juice consumption. Parents who strive to improve their child's diet by compliance with the 'five a day' recommendation through providing an ongoing source of fruit juice to drink are often a little put out when the damage this is causing to their child's teeth is explained! The fact that it is a young recently qualified dentist, who clearly has no children of their own, issuing this blow also does not help. I therefore, when such scenario occurs in the future, intend to use Dr Harley's encouraging comment and state that as they are already doing so well in ensuring their child has an excellent diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, no further juices are required and that milk or water will suffice.

The other most enlightening topic discussed within this article is that regarding the cost of carbonated drinks in comparison to less acidic, and sugar-free products. It is indeed very obvious when in supermarkets, how much cheaper high-sugar fizzy drinks can be in comparison to mineral waters, an important issue in today's climate. Tap water does appear to have a stigma attached to it, when certainly having the unappreciated luxury in this country of a good standard of tap water, we really should be taking advantage where possible. If children were encouraged to drink more tap water whilst young, sugar-cravings as they grow may be less extreme, allowing an overall healthier lifestyle.

With regards to providing dental treatment for the child patients I currently see, again having only recently qualified, I would not say that I feel completely comfortable with certain procedures, mainly those which involve the provision of anaesthesia or extraction of teeth. However, from reading Dr Harley's comments, I am even more determined to ensure the correct care is provided at the correct time, as if avoided, radical treatment will certainly be necessary. Although it may be felt that postponing treatment until a later age will reduce the risk of dental anxiety for the patient, unfortunately if left until more extensive care is required, only the opposite will result.

1. Scarborough