A health expert has warned that average sugar consumption in the country is more than three times higher than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, Newswire reported.
Speaking at a media briefing, Consultant Dental Surgeon Chandana Gajanayake said an average person consumes about 34 kilograms of sugar per year, far exceeding the 10 kilograms recommended annually by the global health body.
Gajanayake said the high intake of sugar is contributing to several oral health issues, including gum disease. He noted that nearly half of the adult population suffers from gum-related problems.
The remarks were made ahead of the fifth National Oral Health Survey, which is scheduled to begin on March 10 and continue until November. The study aims to assess the current oral health condition of the population.
The previous national survey was conducted during 2015–2016. According to WHO guidelines, such surveys should be carried out every 10 years to monitor oral health trends.
Findings from the earlier survey showed that around 30 percent of children aged 12 had tooth decay. This was a significant decline compared with nearly 70 percent recorded during the first national oral health survey conducted in 1982–1983.
The upcoming survey will also include children aged five years and below. Earlier assessments had found that about 63 percent of children in this age group were affected by tooth decay.
