Thousands of tooth extractions prevented thanks to sugar tax, say researchers

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This study shows that ambitious public health policies such as a tax on sugary drinks can impact on improving child oral health Professor David Conway The tax has led to drinks companies reformulating their drinks to contain less sugar. They found a 12.1% “relative reduction” of in hospital admissions for tooth extractions among children aged up to 18. Co-author David Conway, professor of dental public health at the University of Glasgow, added: “Tooth extractions under general anaesthesia are among the most common reasons for children to be admitted to hospital across the UK. “This study shows that ambitious public health policies such as a tax on sugary drinks can impact on improving child oral health.” The British Dental Association said the levy should be expanded into other products such as milk-based drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets, yoghurts and cereals.