Rena Francis | School nutrition policies: A cornerstone for improved oral health in Jamaican children

October marks the annual observance of National Oral Health Month, providing us with a platform to spotlight the significance of oral disease prevention and the overall well-being associated with good oral health.

This year, let us use the opportunity to focus on the need for policies that promote good nutrition and oral health habits among children, and to raise awareness about the significance of dental care and encourage parents, caregivers, and communities to prioritise children’s oral hygiene.

The intricate relationship between nutrition and oral health has been well-established in scientific literature, including reports from global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

In Jamaica, where oral health issues among children remain a significant public health concern, the implementation of comprehensive school nutrition policies presents a promising intervention strategy.

Recent studies, including one conducted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in 2017, have demonstrated the efficacy of integrated school health programmes in the Caribbean region. These findings underscore the potential impact of Jamaica’s proposed National School Nutrition Policy (SNP) on children’s oral health outcomes.

More than two-thirds of Jamaican teens (13-17 year-olds) consume carbonated soft drinks one or more times per day. Excess calories from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) pose a significant risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Not only that, but carbonation, sugar and acids in soft drinks weaken tooth enamel and encourage the growth of bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.

TRIPARTITE APPROACH

The correlation between poor oral health and decreased academic performance, primarily due to pain-induced absenteeism and concentration issues, has been well-documented.

Therefore, the implementation of the SNP is not merely a health initiative, but an educational imperative.

The SNP’s tripartite approach encompasses:

1. Provision of nutritious meals

2. Integration of nutrition education into the curriculum

3. Regular monitoring and evaluation

This comprehensive strategy aligns with best practices in public health interventions recommended by WHO/PAHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A key component of the SNP is the restriction of sugary drinks and snacks in schools, complementing the existing government policy limiting sugar content in beverages to 2.5g per 100mL. This measure is crucial, given the well-established causal relationship between high sugar intake and dental caries.

Moreover, the policy’s emphasis on increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products is supported by nutritional science. Calcium and vitamin D, abundant in dairy, are essential for dental health, while vitamin C in fruits and vegetables contributes to gum health.

The nutrition education component of the SNP is particularly noteworthy. By fostering lifelong, healthy eating habits, this initiative has the potential to create a generational shift in dietary patterns, with long-term implications for oral health.

Furthermore, the policy addresses the complex relationship between obesity and oral health. Research indicates that overweight children are at higher risk for dental caries and periodontal disease, often due to increased consumption of cariogenic foods. By promoting balanced nutrition and physical activity, the SNP may indirectly improve oral health outcomes.

PROACTIVE APPROACH

The integration of school-based dental check-ups within this policy framework represents a proactive approach to oral health management. Early detection and treatment of oral health issues can prevent more severe problems, reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Already, through partnerships with Oral Health Services/Ministry of Health and Wellness and schools, the various health departments and schools have facilitated access to dental check-ups, treatments and oral health education to students under the Oral Health School-Based Programmme, which is a vibrant programme in Jamaica. Therefore, having the school-based oral health programme, supported by nutrition policies, will aid in providing and maintaining a proactive approach to oral health, ensuring that children receive the necessary comprehensive care and guidance.

In conclusion, the proposed National School Nutrition Policy represents a scientifically grounded, multifaceted approach to improving children’s oral health in Jamaica. By addressing dietary habits, providing nutrition education, and facilitating access to dental care, this policy has the potential to significantly reduce the prevalence of oral health issues and non-communicable diseases among Jamaican youth. Swift implementation of this policy is recommended to capitalise on its potential benefits.

Dr Rena Francis is a Consultant Dental Surgeon at the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department. Email feedback to ghapjm@gmail.com and columns@gleanerjm.com.