Workplaces suffer from a "cake culture" which is the main source of sugar for many adults, a senior member of the Royal College of Surgeons claimed last night.
Workers now "treat" themselves to cakes almost daily as they celebrate birthdays or workplace achievements, according to Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the faculty of dentistry.
Speaking last night in London, he warned that tooth decay in adults is a major problem.
According to the most recent figures, nearly 65,000 adults were treated in hospital for tooth decay in the year from 2014 to 2015.
He called for a culture change in offices to enable workers to resist treats of this kind.
Treats can often include boxes of chocolates "lying around the office all day," he said.
Professor Hunt said: “Managers want to reward staff for their efforts, colleagues want to celebrate special occasions, and workers want to bring back a gift from their holidays.
"But for many people the workplace is now the primary site of their sugar intake and is contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health.”
He added: “I’m not saying we need to ban such treats. But we do need a change in culture. When people are going out to the shops and buying cake and sweets they should at least consider buying smaller quantities and making them available only with lunch meals.
“Ideally office workers should consider other alternatives altogether like fruit platters, nuts, or cheese. Responsible employers should take a lead and avoid such snacks in meetings.”
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