The AMA is calling on the Australian government to use tax policy to help influence consumers to drink less sugary drinks.

AMA president Dr Michael Gannon said in a statement that all measures to improve the nation’s health must be explored.

“Improving the nutrition and eating habits of Australians must become a priority for all levels of government,” Dr Gannon said.

“Governments should consider the full complement of measures available to them to support improved nutrition, from increased nutrition education and food literacy programs through to mandatory food fortification, price signals to influence consumption, and restrictions on food and beverage advertising to children.”

The AMA’s calls for a sugar tax have received the support of Gunnedah dentist Dr Karthikeyan Muthusamy who said he sees “first hand” the effect sugar has on dental health.

“Sugar is one of the biggest reasons for dental decay,” Dr Muthusamy said.

“It’s in everything, soft drinks, processed foods, everything.”

The Gunnedah Dental Clinic dentist said a tax would hopefully make people think carefully about sugar.

“It takes about four kilometres of running to burn off 600ml of soft drink,” he said.

“I think a tax would definitely make people start to talk about sugar.”

Dr Muthusamy said the negative effects of sugar consumption can affect childhood development.

“Too much sugar can lead to cavities and decayed teeth,” he said.

“Baby teeth are very important due to the development of the face and jaw and sugar related issues can effect that development.

“Late teenagers, say 18 and 19-year-olds, can also develop cavities due to alcohol and too much sugar.”

The Gunnedah dentist said a sugar tax would help prevent these dental problems.

“I think a tax would make people aware of the risks and help to limit the amount of dental problems later”, he said.

“When it comes down to it, I think prevention is better than a cure.”