As part of a new year advertising campaign a poster has recently been launched that addresses the problem of excessive sugar consumption, particularly in children. They report that the average 15 year old consumes 40g of excess sugar daily, around 50% more than the recommended daily allowance, or the equivalent of 3650 extra sugar cubes per year. The effect this is having on children’s general health is staggering with 35% of 11-15 year olds overweight or obese. The poster explains the dental implications of this and reports that tooth decay was the most common reason for hospital admission for 5-9 year olds in 2010-2013. Also, of the 60 thousand children admitted for tooth extraction 50% were children 9 years and under.
Change4Life aims to encourage simple swaps in food and behaviour to achieve an overall healthier lifestyle. They aim to encourage people to be aware of, and responsible for, the amount of sugar they are consuming. Research suggests that, as a nation, there is a poor understanding of the contents of the food we eat. Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, says that “‘hidden nasties’ have a leading role to play in the level of poor oral health that exists in the UK.” Furthermore, the campaign “will go much further than improving waistlines” and “it is encouraging to see more Government action supporting one of the Foundation’s key messages.”
Many dental practices are promoting Change4Life as well as numerous well-known brands and household names. With this support the campaign has real scope to have a positive impact on the nation’s general, and dental, health.
More information, including how to get involved, can be found on their website www.change4life.co.uk