Dentists Urge The Public To Cut Sugar Intake
Dentists are urging the public to cut their sugar intake dramatically in a bid to reduce rates of oral diseases and tackle the growing obesity crisis.
Experts from University College London claim that daily sugar intake should be slashed to around 25% of the current daily average. Dentists believe that sugar consumption should be reduces to around 4 teaspoons per day.
The recommended daily intake, according to the University College experts, equates to just less than half a can of Coca Cola, two digestive biscuits or a single bowl of Kellogg’s Frosties breakfast cereal.
Advances in the production of toothpaste and increased access to fluoride have lead to improved standards of oral health; however, dental costs still represent between 6 and 10 per cent of health spending. Research conducted by dental experts at UCL suggests that cutting sugar would have a positive impact.
Professor Aubrey Sheiham, Emeritus Professor of Dental Health at the university, said that research confirmed that sugar consumption was contributing to dental health issues, especially among young children, and called for the Government to act now and stop protecting food and drink manufacturers to deal with issues such as decay and child obesity.
One measure that has been suggested by public health experts is a tax on sugary foods and fizzy drinks. Dame Sally Davies, the government’s chief medical officer, has suggested that this could be an effective introduction and the move is currently being considered by authorities.
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