Comment on sugar tax and Public Health England report
22 Oct 2015
Commenting on Public Health England’s proposal for a sugar tax, Prof Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery said:
‘We are pleased this long awaited report has finally been published and that it considers how we can reduce the impact of sugar on oral health as well as obesity.
‘Tooth extraction, because of excessive decay, is now the most common cause of hospitalisation for 5-9 year old children with over 26,000 being admitted each year. Some of these proposals will not be popular and may require further work. But, as the vast majority of dental problems are preventable, the Government needs to fully consider these proposals and take firm action.
‘Action to improve diet must happen alongside encouraging visits to the dentist. Almost half of adults and a third of children still do not attend regular dental check-ups. Routine visits are vital to providing diagnosis and treatment.’
Notes to editor
The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care. Registered charity number: 212808.
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