Charity calls for oral health education

The organisation welcomed the opportunity to emphasise how nutrition influences weight and oral health - a vital yet often overlooked component of overall wellbeing.

Poor dietary habits and the proliferation of ultra-processed, high-sugar foods are key contributors not just to obesity but to the rising prevalence of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Sugary and acidic diets are the primary cause of tooth decay, which remains the most common chronic disease in children and adults in the UK. In some cases, these conditions lead to pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss, significantly impacting the quality of life.

Key points raised in the debate - such as the accessibility of healthy foods, the promotion of nutritious school meals, and clear labelling - are directly relevant to reducing the burden of oral diseases.