A Sheffield dentist has backed opinions on sugar consumption in the UK and joined the call for a reduction in sugar intake to try and cut tooth decay and rising obesity levels.
Dr Nigel Rosenbaum, principal dentist at One80dental in Totley, is in support of new guidance from the World Health Organisation to halve the recommended daily sugar intake in the public’s diet, taking it down from ten per cent to five per cent, which is the equivalent of around six teaspoons.
Dr Rosenbaum called the situation ‘tragic’ as tooth decay ‘which causes so much pain and misery, is largely preventable.’ The dentist, who also teaches implant dentistry at Sheffield University, said that ‘A concerted campaign to educate children and parents and initiatives such as better food labelling would be welcome. However, it’s not just the amount of sugary drinks and confectionary children eat that is so harmful to teeth, its continuous consumption during the day.’
This comes after researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Medicine suggested that tax on sugary foods and drinks should be doubled to try and combat the rising levels of obesity and tooth decay, particularly among children.