Dentists Campaign for Warnings on Sugary Drinks

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Irish dentists are calling for warnings to be printed on sugary drinks, following the release of alarming figures relating to rates of decay among children.

According to recent figures, 50 percent of 12 year olds and 75 percent of 15 year olds in the country have decay and dentists believe this is largely due to the amount of sugary foods and drinks they consume.

Dr Conor McAlister, president of the Irish Dental Association, said that Ireland has one of the highest rates of soft drink consumption in the Western World, with an average intake of one can per day per person. He added that these drinks are full of sugar, which contributes to oral health diseases, as well as increasing the risk of other conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

Sugary drinks cause bacteria in the mouth to produce harmful plaque acids, which attack the surface of the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay.

The IDA is now calling for the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, to introduce a measure to ensure that all fizzy drinks come with a public health warning and new legislation would mean that the sugar content is clearly visible on the label.

Dr McAlister said that warnings have already worked very effectively on alcohol and tobacco products and he believes that a similar system would be equally beneficial for sugary drinks. The IDA is also campaigning for proceeds of a proposed sugar tax to be used to fund dental services.

 

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