Dentists greet sugar levy announcement

The British Dental Association (BDA) has welcomed news the government will introduce a sugar levy on the soft drinks industry from 2018.

The levy will be based on the volume of sugar with two bands: those with 5g per 100ml and those with more than 8g per 100ml – pure fruit juices and small businesses will be excluded. The Chancellor has claimed that the levy will raise £0.5 billion.

As many people in the dental industry will know the BDA has been leading calls for action on sugar. Tooth decay is now the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. Recent data has revealed a 10 per cent increase in children requiring hospital based tooth extractions in the last four years.

Mick Armstrong, Chair of the BDA said:

“Many were expecting half-measures from Government on sugar, so today’s announcement looks like progress.

“Britain’s sugar addiction is costing the health service billions, and it’s only right the drinks companies should make a fair contribution. Health professionals are confronting a preventable epidemic, and parents, government and the food industry all need play their part.

“Sugar is cheap, addictive and nutrient-free, and industry finally has a reason to start cutting the dose.”

Dental professionals always try and encourage healthy eating in all patients but with an emphasis on young children hoping that we can prevent hospital administrations in the future, education is key and we always try aid our patients with dental tips and advice. Our teeth can only withstand a few acid attacks each day therefore if sugary beverages or snacks are kept to meal times the risks of dental decay are minimised and the patients diet can be less restricted.

Our motto is try and aid our patients in keeping a healthy smile for life but we can only do that with your help!