Excessive sugar consumption remains one of the most pressing dietary concerns worldwide, directly linked to dental caries, childhood obesity, and non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total daily energy, with further reduction below 5% for additional health benefits. Despite these guidelines, global sugar intake consistently exceeds recommendations, particularly among children and adolescents. Recent surveys indicate that in many high-income countries, daily sugar consumption ranges from 17–25 teaspoons per person, while emerging economies are witnessing rising intake due to urbanization, processed food availability, and aggressive marketing of sugar-rich products. For pediatric populations, the impact is especially alarming. High sugar consumption during early childhood not only accelerates the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) but also establishes long-term dietary preferences, contributing to sustained health risks. Regional disparities are evident, with developed nations showing a plateau or slight decline in sugar intake due to public health measures, while low- and middle-income countries continue to face a rapid increase. Public health interventions such as sugar taxes, front-of-pack labeling, school-based nutrition policies, and parental awareness programs have shown promise in curbing consumption patterns. For pediatric dentists, understanding the global trends of sugar intake is crucial to designing preventive strategies, counseling families, and advocating for policy-level interventions. Strengthening collaborative efforts between health professionals, educators, and policymakers is essential to reduce sugar consumption and safeguard the oral and overall health of children worldwide.
Rudri et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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