BDA & FGDP respond to sugar report
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- Published: Monday, 30 June 2014 07:14
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Responding to the recent report by Public Health England on sugar consumption the BDA warned that the impact of sugar on tooth decay, should not be overlooked as the debate on obesity links intensifies. The FGDP(UK) said the impact of sugar on tooth decay remained a major health concern.
BDA
As high consumption of sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, the British Dental Association welcomes the recent launch of a consultation by the government’s scientific advisory body on carbohydrates, including sugars, in people’s diets. Dentists are concerned that the detrimental impact of sugar on high levels of tooth decay may be overlooked in the current debate about sugar intake and obesity.
The chair of the British Dental Association’s Health and Science Committee, Graham Stokes, said: “While the current debate rightly focuses on the links between sugar and the nation’s expanding waistlines, we must not forget that sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay. Tooth decay – often involving several teeth – is the main reason why youngsters are admitted to hospital to have a general anaesthetic. Last year alone over 25,000 young people in England had a general anaesthetic to remove rotten teeth. This is a distressing experience for both children and their parents and is entirely preventable.”
FGDP(UK)
It is important that the effect of sugar intake on tooth decay is considered alongside obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease as a major public health challenge, according to the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). This comes as Public Health England (PHE) published its plans to help the population to reduce dietary sugar. The FGDP(UK), which was part of the group that helped to inform the plans, stresses the need to consider food policy as part of the key determinants of oral health, particularly with respect to the consumption of sugary drinks by children. This was also highlighted in the FGDP(UK)’s June 2014 response to NHS England’s Call to Action on improving oral health.
Charlotte Worker, policy spokesperson at the FGDP(UK), said, “Tooth decay remains a significant health concern despite the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in the UK. We support PHE’s initiative to place sugar reduction high on the public health agenda. We also welcome the fact that the PHE’s report recognises good oral health as being an integral part of ensuring good overall health for all age groups.”
The FGDP(UK) has joined forces with other organisations and individuals concerned with the effects of sugar on health in support of the work of Action on Sugar. The group would like to see added sugar contribute to no more than 5% of total energy intake, which echoes advice given to the English Government by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition in a draft report, also published today. Among the key aims for Action on Sugar is to reach a consensus among food and drink manufacturers to gradually reduce added sugar in processed foods and beverages.
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