Taxing sugary beverages could reduce sugar consumption and caries increment, claims a recent German study published in Journal of Dental Research.
October 11, 2016, Basel - According to the study, the greatest reduction in caries increment (>10%) was expected in males from low- or middle-income backgrounds. The researchers concluded that implementing a 20% tax on sugary beverages in Germany would be likely to reduce caries increment especially in young low-income males.
Many dental professionals remain sceptical though.
«I doubt that a sugar tax will change bad dietary habits significantly, and particularly not in those segments of the population who would need it most», says Dr. Albert Bär, Executive Director of Toothfriendly International. «Changing behavioral habits is achieved in the first place by proper and balanced information. Introducing a sugar tax in certain foods may help reduce total intake somewhat but it will never have the same impact as information-mediated and emotion-driven modification of eating habits will have.»
Both industry and consumers would benefit more from nutrition education and positive labeling initiatives, such as the Toothfriendly certification mark for non-cariogenic and non-erosive products, believes Dr. Bär.