Study finds Decline in Child Tooth Extractions linked to UK Soft Drinks Sugar Tax

UK: Two years after the implementation of the UK soft drinks sugar tax, a noteworthy 12.1% reduction in child hospital admissions for tooth extraction due to dental caries has been reported. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, reveals positive outcomes for children in most areas, irrespective of socioeconomic status.

Age-Specific Reductions and Impact on Hospital Admissions

The study primarily highlights a substantial decrease in hospital admissions for children up to the age of four, with a remarkable 28.6% reduction, and for children aged 5-9, a decrease of 5.5%. Notably, the reduction was most significant for the latter group, who are more likely to undergo tooth extractions under general anaesthesia. 

However, incidence rates remained unchanged for older age groups, specifically between ten and 18 years old.

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Contributions to the Growing Body of Literature

Senior author Jean Adams, a professor at the University of Cambridge, notes that this study adds valuable insights to the limited literature on the health impacts of soft drinks taxes, specifically on dental health. 

The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential effects of such taxes and may inform future decisions regarding the implementation or extension of such measures.

The Soft Drinks Industry Levy: Encouraging Reformulation

Introduced in 2018, the soft drinks industry levy incentivises producers to reformulate their beverages, with higher sugar content subject to a higher levy. Real-world hospital data was analysed for tooth extractions due to decay in children up to 18 years old in England, spanning four years before the levy’s introduction until 22 months after its implementation.

Significant Reductions and Socioeconomic Considerations

The study estimates a reduction of 5,638 cases per year in hospital admissions for tooth extractions, with reductions of 6.5 per 100,000 children aged 0-4 and 3.3 per 100,000 children aged 5-9. 

Researchers note that dental extraction due to caries is the leading cause for elective hospital admissions in young children, with nearly 90% of such extractions attributed to decay.

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Factors Influencing Behavioural Change

The researchers speculate that a national intervention program and compulsory nutritional labelling may have influenced consumer buying habits, contributing to the observed reductions. Public awareness campaigns and media coverage surrounding the sugar reduction program and the industry levy may have played a role in shaping consumer behaviour.

While the study is observational and cannot establish causality, it sets the stage for further policy-sensitive research. The authors acknowledge the challenges of designing a randomised controlled trial at a national level and emphasise the need for comprehensive assessments to draw conclusions from the body of work as a whole.

Industry Response and Ongoing Efforts

Soft drink companies in the UK have made strides in reducing the sugar content of their beverages following the introduction of the sugar tax. One year after its implementation, sugar intake from soft drinks dropped by 10%. However, campaigners stress the need for additional strategies to combat child obesity, citing the UK soft drinks industry levy as one effective measure.

The study underscores the potential positive impact of the UK soft drinks sugar tax on child dental health, providing impetus for continued research and policy evaluation in the ongoing battle against childhood tooth decay and related health issues.