Perils of the digital age

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The digital age brings with it ample opportunities for miscommunication (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Grace Dent's article on the perils of correspondence in the digital age reminded me of a letter I received from a major airline following my complaint about a downgrade and a succession of administrative lapses. The explanation and apology arrived on two pages of corporate letterhead, was unsigned and contained several blank lines in the middle of a paragraph.

I wrote back including a copy, and was advised that it was not possible for the company to sign letters (presumably they received too many complaints), and that as they were printed and sent in another department they were as a matter of course despatched unchecked.

Andrew Jackson

Cardiff

Sugar is not the only threat

Any efforts to help parents better understand how they can protect their families teeth and gums should be welcomed (“City targets sugary drinks to curb child tooth decay” 9th May 2016).

However, whilst considering what drinks you give to your children may be part of the solution, I believe a significant part of the issue is a lack of basic dental hygiene and that many people are unaware of fermentable carbohydrates (including sugars) that are also naturally occurring in many foods and drinks even if there is “no added sugar.” Fruit, for example, is often high in fructose so natural fruit juice, whilst having health benefits, can also cause dental problems if consumed with a high frequency. Even milk (lactose) and starchy food, such as bread and pasta, have a role to play. It’s vital to read the labels and get familiar with what we are consuming.

I believe dental decay is something that can easily be prevented in the vast majority of individuals simply by following some simple guidelines. For example, limit drinks (other than water) and foods to meal times. This reduces the frequency that teeth are exposed to the fermentable carbohydrates (which include sugars) which the bacteria on your teeth turn into the acids that cause decay. Also: brush twice a day, which helps to remove the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Finally, see a dentist on a regular basis. This can help spot any problems before they become more serious.

I truly believe that caring for you and your family’s teeth doesn’t need to be difficult – and the earlier you start getting your children into good habits the easier it will be in the longer term.

James Russell

EU Referendum

I am increasingly thinking more and more people will just make a ‘random’ decision - if they even vote – in the EU Referendum on the 23rd June.

We are being absolutely bombarded with conflicting information. Politicians and business leaders have changing their minds willy-nilly. Even studying it all in great detail doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to come to a firm decision either way. If nothing else, it is going to be a fascinating result – the pollsters must be very apprehensive!

Judi Martin

Aberdeenshire

Turkey

Now it seems that our elected politicians have adopted Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s opinion that embracing Turkey poses potential risks to Europe's Christian identity, its civilization, its stability and security. It is true that Turkey is a bridge between East and West. It enjoys unparalleled geostrategic and geopolitical status overlooking the Mediterranean, Marmara and Aegean seas. However, Turkey is renowned for its long-standing suppression of Kurdish aspirations for self-determination and independence, and its denial of the Armenian genocide. These facts are true now as they were true when Messrs Cameron, Straw and Johnson were ardent supporters of Turkey's bid to join the European Union. Does anyone need any proof of their hypocrisy, double standards and hollow promises? What guarantees do we have that they say the truth in their scaremongering tactics on whether we remain or leave the EU?

Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London

In my area, people are still complaining that Ford closed their works in Southampton, as if that was the fault of the EU. Ford moved their production to Turkey for commercial reasons.

They (Ford) saw an opportunity in Turkey and so should we. Then there is all the nonsense that, if Turkey joined the EU, it would mean millions of people would come here. Why would they all want to leave their homeland? They don’t and wouldn’t.

We have around 56 million people in the UK. We could all go and move to Turkey, you could argue.

I do think it is more likely the smaller countries close to Russia will join before Turkey, if indeed Turkey wants to join. It is pure speculation and would have to be approved by the other members – not by us, if we leave the EU.

Richard F Grant

Ringwood