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.