The implementation of the sugar tax on soft drinks in England has led to a 12% reduction in the number of children aged 18 and under undergoing tooth extractions, prompting calls to extend the levy to other sugary products such as sweets, biscuits, and cereals.
The decline in hospital admissions for tooth extractions, based on NHS data analysis conducted by researchers from Cambridge and Glasgow universities, amounts to an estimated 5,638 fewer children requiring the procedure under general anaesthetic annually since the initiation of the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) in April 2018.
The findings, outlined in a paper published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health, are based on the health records of nearly 13 million children aged 18 and under in England. Overall, there has been a 3.7 admissions per 100,000 decrease in hospitalizations since 2018. The most significant reductions were observed in the age groups up to four and five to nine, with declines of 6.5 and 3.3 admissions per 100,000, respectively.
Dr. Nina Rogers, the study’s lead author from Cambridge University’s medical research council epidemiology unit, highlighted the importance of the findings, particularly in the age group of five to nine, where children are most likely to be admitted for tooth extractions under general anaesthesia.
However, the study noted no improvement among 10- to 14-year-olds or 15- to 18-year-olds.
Dentists have welcomed the progress in combatting tooth decay since the implementation of the levy, advocating for an extension to include other sugary products such as milkshakes, cakes, yoghurts, sweets, cereals, and biscuits. The British Dental Association (BDA) suggested that imposing a similar tax would encourage food manufacturers to reformulate their products, promoting healthier alternatives as seen with many soft drinks.
Eddie Crouch, the BDA’s chair, emphasized the success of the sugar tax in combating tooth decay, asserting the need to intensify efforts. He stated, “This isn’t about adding to the cost of living. When voluntary action has clearly failed, this shows the government must force industry’s hand on cutting sugar.”
The researchers concluded that the study provides evidence of potential health benefits to children beyond addressing obesity, the primary focus of the initial development of the UK SDIL.
David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, welcomed the positive findings but urged ministers to grant councils autonomy in deciding the allocation of the £355 million annual proceeds from the sugar tax for public health and anti-obesity initiatives.
