BDHF wants changes to advertising of sugary drinks

The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has said it believes the advertising of sugary drinks should be treated in the same way as tobacco and other age-restricted or health-damaging products.

In particular, the BDHF believes that if sports brands stopped using beverages with a high sugar content in their advertising, people's health would get significantly better, with obesity levels falling and oral health improving.

The foundation thinks this could work in similar way to the banning of tobacco advertising that was introduced in 2003 in a bid to improve the health of the public.

BDHF trustee Professor Nairn Wilson commented: "Sugar is the biggest health time bomb we face today.

"Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks is one of the BDHF's key messages."

He added that it is important for people to remember that it is the frequency of their sugar consumption that is behind tooth decay, rather than the amount they eat.