FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) welcome the consideration of more ambitious targets for childhood overweight prevalence and exclusive breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding reduces free sugar consumption, which is a key contributor to the global burden of early childhood caries and overweight. We urge Member States to endorse these targets and align national guidelines accordingly.

We also urge Member States to adopt the new operational targets and indicators proposed to accelerate action on nutrition. Research shows that prolonged and frequent exposure of teeth to free sugars, including through sugary beverages, is the primary dietary factor for tooth decay affecting 514 million children and 2 billion adults globally.

FDI and IADR strongly recommend recognizing oral health benefits as a key component of healthy nutrition policies and prioritizing research on the oral health benefits of healthy nutrition.