Sugar intake is a big problem today and is linked to children’s dental problems. A sugar tax would help control the problem and protect children’s teeth.
Key takeaways:
- The introduction of a sugar tax on soft drinks would have clear benefits to the oral health of children between 11 and 18 years old.
- Tighter regulation around price, availability and marketing of sports drinks to children will safeguard their general and dental health.
- Oral health should be tackled in the same breath as overall health since it affects children’s overall well-being, confidence, mental health and life chances.
The most important message dentists can give parents is to remember that it is not just the amount of sugar children eat or drink that causes tooth decay, but how often they have sugary foods and drinks.
