BDA and FGDP support Jamie Oliver’s ‘Sugar Rush’ programme
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- Published: Friday, 04 September 2015 15:22
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Both the British Dental Association (BDA) and the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) have welcomed last night’s Channel 4 ‘Sugar Rush’ programme in which Jamie Oliver highlighted the shocking impact of excess sugar in our diets. Mick Armstrong of the BDA said: “Britain is addicted to sugar, and we are all paying the price”. Dean of FGDP Mick Horton said: “It is wonderful to see Jamie Oliver put his head above the parapet again for the sake of the nation’s health, but he cannot do it alone.”
The BDA has welcomed the launch of the petition by Jamie Oliver, calling on government to introduce a sugar tax. The chef and food campaigner’s documentary, Sugar Rush, includes harrowing footage of Mario, an otherwise healthy six-year-old boy who regularly cleans his teeth, having his rotten teeth extracted because of his fondness for sugary drinks.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among young children in Britain. The BDA has led calls for urgent action to lower the nation’s sugar intake, with measures ranging from lowering the recommended daily allowance, through to action on marketing, labelling and sales taxes.
Mick Armstrong, Chair of the British Dental Association, said: “Britain is addicted to sugar, and we are all paying the price. Government can’t keep ignoring the advice of scientists and health professionals, and no option, from ad bans to sales taxes, should be left off the table. Jamie Oliver's new documentary provides a stark reminder of the damage sugar is doing to our mouths and our waistlines. But it also shows what’s possible when professionals, policymakers and parents work together.”
The FGDP(UK) also welcomed the programme and commented: ‘Although the link between a high-sugar diet and obesity and diabetes is well known, the FGDP(UK) was pleased to see that the programme brought attention to the detrimental effect too much sugar can have on our oral health. In particular, the FGDP(UK) feels it was important to show the shocking impact sugar is having on children’s health, and on resources in the NHS’.
FGDP(UK) Dean Dr Mick Horton, commenting on the programme, said; “It is wonderful to see Jamie Oliver put his head above the parapet again for the sake of the nation’s health, but he cannot do it alone. It is important that parents understand they have a responsibility to also improve the Dental Health of their children through regular dental appointments, good oral hygiene, and following a low-sugar diet. Recognising that together we can reduce the incidence of tooth decay.
“The FGDP(UK) calls on the Government to explore the scope for using sales taxation and advertising restrictions in countering the damage done by high levels of sugar consumption. Furthermore we urge the government to:
- Work with Public Health England and other stakeholders to develop a robust and effective strategy to help support a reduction in sugar consumption
- Identify and support effective and innovative methods of encouraging pre-school and school-aged children to attend dental check-ups, particularly in areas where attendance figures are poor
- Provide guidance for parents of new born children, and indeed expectant parents, to help them to make the best dietary choices for their children
- Work with schools and the dental profession to include dental advice and prompts as part of existing child health check programmes
- Support health visitors in providing information about the link between dental caries and sugar consumption, so that good dental care habits can begin from birth.”
Image credit - Moyan Brenn under CC licence - not modified.
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