Dentists back sales ban on energy drinks for kids
BDA says there is real scope for gains in oral health.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has applauded the proposed ban on sales of high caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.
The BDA said there was real scope for gains in oral health given the high sugar content in some products, and that even the zero/low sugar versions have an erosive impact on teeth due to high levels of acidity.
It said the UK Government should “go further and faster” to tackle the impact of unhealthy food and drink on children’s health, with mandatory guidelines for industry and expansion of the sugar levy. Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children.
Eddie Crouch, the BDA’s Chair, said: “Products that are habit forming, highly acidic and can contain over 20 teaspoons of sugar have no place on the menu for children. Our kids are growing up in a toxic food environment, and this boldness needs to be applied across the piece.”
Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England added: “While the ban is welcome, it cannot stand alone. The Faculty of Dental Surgery calls for the expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, including expanding the levy to include milk-based drinks, and lowering the threshold to 4g of sugar per 100ml.”