Although my practice is located in Beverly Hills, California, I like to stay informed about worldwide issues concerning oral health. I’m particularly interested when something in the news could improve oral health, especially that of children. New developments in other nations that promote healthy teeth and gums could eventually be implemented here in the United States to boost our oral health.
The UK is making vital moves for its children’s oral and physical health by pushing for a tax on sugary drinks. Numerous organizations, including the British Dental Health Foundation, have jumped on the bandwagon and agree that the tax would greatly improve the health of children and help prevent tooth decay. One in three children has visible dental decay, and the Foundation attributes this to the increase in consumption of sugary drinks compared to previous generations. Sustain, a company dedicated to improving environmental conditions, put together a report that recommends three components for the 2013 budget plan that would benefit the health of children in multiple ways.
The first recommendation by the report is that a duty be applied to sugary drinks, which could theoretically raise over $1 billion per year. This would also combat diet-related illnesses and reduce dental decay by decreasing the consumption of these drinks. The second recommendation is that the majority of the money from the tax be put toward a Children’s Future Fund to improve children’s health by providing healthy snacks and free meals at schools to students in need. The last recommendation is that an independent organization be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the tax and how its revenue is spent. If these recommendations were put into effect, it would greatly improve the general and oral health of children now and in the future, and hopefully the United States would follow in these footsteps toward healthier youth.
If you are concerned about your or your child’s oral health, please feel free to contact Dr. Sands’ Beverly Hills office for all of your dentistry needs. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call (310) 273-0111 or fill out our contact form today.