95bFM New Zealand Dental Association calls for sugary drink ban in all schools
8 April, 2023
Interview by Casper McGuire, adapted by Jessica Hopkins
According to Dr Rob Beaglehole from the New Zealand Dental Association, 8500 children in Aotearoa had one or multiple teeth removed last year because of tooth decay. Photo: Unsplash.
The government recently announced a proposal to remove sugary drinks from primary schools.
But Dr Rob Beaglehole from the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) told Casper McGuire on 95bFM's The Wire that this proposal doesn't go far enough and says the NZDA wants sugary drinks banned in all schools.
"Sugary drinks hammer your teeth. They also contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes."
According to Dr Beaglehole, 8500 children had one or multiple teeth removed last year because of tooth decay. He said it is the number one reason children are admitted to hospital in Aotearoa.
Beaglehole cited that many other countries have policies limiting sugar consumption, such as taxes or levies on sugary drinks.
"We know sugary drinks are causing so many problems, and it's important children aren't exposed to this harmful substance in a school environment."
Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
