As a practicing dentist, I see the consequences of high sugar intake in children and adults almost on a daily basis.  

In the past few years there has been numerous reports and evidence from clinicians, learned institutions and academics on the link of both tooth decay and obesity to sugar consumption: these are few examples:

“We are eating too much sugar and it is bad for our health. Consuming too many foods and drinks high in sugar can lead to weight gain and related health problems, as well as tooth decay. Almost 25% of adults, 10% of 4 to 5 year olds and 19% of 10 to 11 year olds in England are obese, with significant numbers also being overweight. Treating obesity and its consequences alone currently costs the NHS £5.1bn every year”, unequivocal message from Public Health England in its report Sugar Reduction: The evidence for action https://goo.gl/ppXkXr

In January 2015, Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons appeared before the Health Select Committee of the House of Commons to give evidence on children’s oral health in England. The evidence are alarming,  based on a report produced by the Faculty of Dental Surgery early in 2015, they highlight tooth decay as the main reason why 5-9 year olds in England, are admitted to hospital, 25,000 children were admitted over the period 2013-2014 for a preventable disease, with almost a third of children not seen by a dentist.

Children's tooth extractions cost the NHS a staggering £30 million a year! Tooth decay is the biggest reason why children are being admitted to hospital for treatment under general anaesthetic.