THE SUGAR consumption habits in the United Kingdom is alarming.
In what it calls “staggering” numbers, the Oral Health Foundation says that eight out of 10 of the UK population consume at least one sugary snack and about that number up to three sugary snacks – each and every day.
Six out of 10 get their sugar intake from foods like sweets, desserts, and processed foods. Nearly half or 45 percent consume sugar from drinks such as sodas, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. One in 10 of adults aged 18-34 consume over four sugary snacks daily – a rate that is five times higher than that those over-55.
In stark contrast, only one in 10 take conscious steps to limit sugar intake.
Indeed, the UK ranks 54th out of 165 countries in terms of sugar consumption per person.
The government recommends that free sugars should not make up more than 5 percent of the calories or energy people in the United Kingdom get from food and drink each day. Free sugars are sugars that are added to food and drinks.
However, they consume 9 percent to 12.5 percent of their calories from free sugars.
The Oral Health Foundation says many people consume sugars without being aware about it. Many common foods and drinks contain sugars like sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses, hydrolyzed starch, and corn syrup.
It is voicing concerns about the impact of the UK’s sugar consumption on oral health. They are calling for a series of new measures to combat the dental complications arising from sugar intake.
“Around one-in-three adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay, with sugar being the cause,” says Dr. Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation. “We are in dire need of a stronger approach to take on the sugar industry and to promote a healthier, sugar-conscious society.
“This includes stricter regulations on sugar content in processed foods, implementing a ‘sugar tax’ on high-sugar foods and beverages, and decisive action on sugar-based advertising. These policies push sugar off supermarket shelves, encourage manufacturers to cut sugar in their products, and reduces our exposure to sugar marketing, helping us to pursue healthier choices.”
“Many people don’t realize how much sugar is hidden in everyday foods,”Dr. Carter explains. “By learning to identify these hidden sugars, we can make healthier choices and protect our oral health. Start by reading labels carefully and opting for fresh, whole foods whenever possible.”
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
