SUGARY diets that are causing an obesity and tooth decay crisis among children nationally underlines the importance of the St Helens Star backed Swap the Pop campaign, says a health chief.

Dr Dympna Edwards, assistant director of public health for the borough, says one in three children in the town have decaying teeth compared to one in four nationally.

However, she believes the education drive, which urges children and families to drink water instead of high sugar and caffeine energy drinks, can make a difference.

Dr Edwards said: "It's caused by having too much sugar too often. Brushing with fluoride is protective but it is down to the balance of sugar."

Getting the message through to new mums that children don't need so many sweet and sugary treats is important, she adds. And health visitors do checks on children at 12 months and two and a half to register them with dentists and get them tooth care kits.

But misleading labels on drinks is another issue that needs confronting, she adds: "Parents are giving their children what they think are healthy drinks but it's not always the case. If it's 100 per cent juice that's better. They have natural sugars but shouldn't be drunk all the time.

"Sugary drinks are playing more and more a part in childhood obesity too. More people are getting more of their calories from sugar than other foods. This is an issue that's crept up. People don't realise how much sugar they are eating.

"In the past people eat sugar from a sugar spoon out of the bowl. There wasn't a lot of sugar in other foods and drinks like there is now."

Levels of childhood obesity are slightly above the national average and the number of obese and overweight children in reception an double by the time they reach the end of primary school.

These children are more likely to be overweight as young adults, leading to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

"It's about setting people on the right path," she stressed. "It's not about turning the clock back to the 1950s but with Swap the Pop you can make a small change. If your child has squash, make sure it's sugar free. Also if it's a fizzy drink make sure it's sugar free."

A big challenge is persuading teenagers to ditch energy drinks which she said can contain more caffeine than a normal cup of coffee.

Dr Edwards said: "We have had positive feedback through quite a lot of nurseries, youth clubs and schools as well as individual families. It's about making that small change and making it acceptable."

Whether you're a family, community or sports group, individual or school you can find out more at sthelens.gov.uk/SwapThePop.