The threat to health from poor teeth is a fresh reason for cracking down on sugary foods and drinks, it was claimed today.
Campaigners have pressed for a series of measures to deter the public from buying junk foods.
Now an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine argues that poor dental health is another reason.
According to the report, this is because poor dental health has been linked to heart disease – suggesting another way that sugar consumption can shorten life.
The report was welcomed by the British Heart Foundation.
Tracy Parker, of the foundation said: "A diet full of junk food can have all sorts of unhealthy consequences. As well as being high in salt and saturated fat, which can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol, processed foods and fizzy drinks are often packed with sugar.
“Too much sugar is bad news for your teeth and gums. Foods containing lots of sugar also tend to be loaded with calories and make you overweight, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease."
Amardeep Bains et al. Junk food and heart disease: the missing tooth Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 28 November 2013; doi: 10.1177/0141076813512297
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