When you need an emergency dentist, we try to find out how you ended up with a dental emergency in the first place. Often, we find out that our emergency patients tend to drink a lot of sugary drinks and eat a lot of sugary treats. It is no secret that sugary drinks help cause tooth decay, plaque and gum disease, so this comes as no surprise.
Recently, a Greens Party senator, Senator Richard Di Natale, decided to take matters into his own hands by proposing a 20% tax on all sugary drinks. The proposal is just one of an entire suite of proposals by the Greens, including restrictions on advertising junk food, food tables that are more understandable and financial assistance that can help young people from poor families participate in exercise and sport.
Mexico and the UK currently have taxes on sugary drinks and the taxes have resulted in a 12% drop in the consumption of sugary drinks, defined as drinks that contain more than 5g of sugar in each 100 ml. The taxes would be paid by producers or importers.
Sugar taxes are relatively new but came into being due to a recommendation by the World Health Organisation (WHO). They feel the 12% drop in consumption of sugary beverages in countries where they have instituted the taxes is a sign that the taxes are, indeed, helping to fight tooth decay and obesity.
All monies gained by the tax are slated for use in further Australian health initiatives.
What it Means to You
We make an emergency dentist available seven days a week with long hours Monday-Friday but we would much rather see you before a dental emergency. There are really three basic methods to greatly lower the odds of needing an emergency dentist.
- Regular visits to the dentist.
- A program of solid oral hygiene.
- Cut down on sugary drinks and treats.
Anything that lowers the consumption of sugary drinks is good for dental health in Australia.
Please call us on (08) 9404 9500 or click here to book an appointment.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we encourage you to discuss these matters with an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
