Kids' oral health fears

THE Government is being urged to take “radical” action – such as expanding the sugar tax and banning the sale of energy drinks to youngsters – in a bid to tackle “staggering” levels of tooth decay in children across England.

A joint report by the Child of the North project and the Centre for Young Lives – a think tank founded by former children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield – states ministers should “ignore any accusations of a nanny state”.

Among its recommendations is a call for the Government to develop a national child oral health strategy with a focus on reducing sugar consumption.

The organisations suggest this could be achieved by expanding the so-called sugar tax to include sugary milk drinks.

The report also calls for restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, optimising fluoride exposure, and bolstering access to dental care.

Tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admissions among five to nine-year-olds in England.