A new Australian study suggests a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks may prevent 3.7 million cases of tooth decay as well as 306,000 cases of gum disease or complete tooth loss nationally.

Health experts have thrown their support behind the proposal, which aligns with long-standing recommendations from the World Health Organization.

Researchers suggest money generated from the proposed tax could be used to strengthen oral health services, improving access and cutting costs at the dentist.

  • bananabenana@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    11 hours ago

    While I support this, why do none of these studies or articles talk about carbonic acid, which is what makes soft drink fizzy? This directly erodes enamel and causes tooth decay. By simply rinsing your mouth with water after soft drinks, you massively reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acid. Same for orange juice etc. This also work for the sugar in the drink - dilution in action.

    • arbilp3@aussie.zoneOPEnglish
      1·
      8 hours ago

      There are studies on carbonic acid in soft drinks. I know because your comment sparked me into looking it up.

      As far as I’m concerned, another reason to not drink carbonated drinks. Better and cheaper to filter water at home and take your own bottle with you.