Locally, the average sugar consumption in the country is more than three times the level recommended by the World Health Organization, says Consultant Dental Surgeon Dr. Chandana Gajanayake.
It is also a warning that oral health risks are increasing.
“The World Health Organization recommends that a healthy person should consume about 10 kilograms of sugar per year, but here the average person consumes about 34 kilograms annually,” Dr. Gajanayake said at a press conference. He added that excessive sugar consumption contributes to dental diseases, including gum disease.
“If we look at gum disease among adults, the percentage is about 50%. That means one in every two adults suffers from gum disease,” he said.
According to the 2015-2016 National Oral Health Survey, about 30% of children aged 12 years were affected by tooth decay. Dr. Gajanayake said that more than 75% of the population uses fluoride toothpaste, which is described as a positive trend for dental health.
However, he warned that the increase in toothpaste prices during the economic crisis has led to the return of tooth powder products to the market.
“Tooth powder is harmful because its coarse texture can damage the teeth,” he said.
Dr. Gajanayake made this statement while addressing a briefing on the fifth National Oral Health Survey, which is scheduled to begin on March 10 and continue until November.