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Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks, also known as sugar-sweetened beverages, are the major source of sugars consumed by children and young people in New Zealand. These include any beverage that has added sugar such as carbonated or fizzy drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks and juices, powdered drinks, cordial and flavoured waters. The consumption of sugary drinks is associated with dental caries, weight gain and obesity. Dental caries is a significant health problem in New Zealand. Good oral health is not only a vital component of general health but also a basic human right.
As the leading professional organisation in oral health, the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) is committed to improve the oral health of all New Zealanders. Dentists see the effects of poor oral health every day in their practices, and are familiar with the negative effects of oral diseases on individuals’ quality of life. Dentists have a key role to play through advocacy at both national and local government level and contribute towards the development of strategies that address the drivers of poor oral health. They are also well positioned within their local communities, to advocate for oral health by lobbying and health education among general public.
However, dentists alone cannot find solutions to address poor oral health. The NZDA recognizes the challenges and complexity involved in addressing the drivers of poor oral health. A multi-sector collaborative approach is required to address the environmental drivers of poor oral health.
The NZDA and its partner organisations support and endorse the following actions to inform the public about the negative health impacts of sugary drinks and to advocate for population-wide strategies to reduce sugary drink consumption.
- Joint advocacy campaign aimed at Government and the beverage industry to introduce a sugar icon on the packaging of all sugary drinks to indicate the amount of sugar in each product in teaspoons.
- Introduction of mandatory regulation of marketing of sugary drinks to children through independent monitoring and evaluation of food marketing, especially at times and places frequented by children such as children’s sports and events.
- Introduction of daily allowance for the intake of free sugars for New Zealanders, in line with the recommendations from the WHO.
- Encourage the public to switch their sugary drinks to water by;
- introduction of warning labels linking overconsumption of sugary drinks to poor health.
- expansion of successful nation-wide social marketing campaigns such as ‘Switch to Water’.
- Encourage schools and early learning services to adopt ‘water-only’ policies.
- Development of policies by local government to introduce ‘water-only’ policies at council venues, events and limit the sale of sugary drinks in and around schools.
- Joint advocacy campaign, aimed at government, to introduce an excise tax on sugary drinks consistent with the WHO guidelines.
Sugary drinks are unique in that they have no nutritional value, they contribute empty calories and replace healthier beverage options. They are also extremely acidic. Sugary drinks are no longer a looming public health crisis, but a very real one. By working together, and acting now, we can prevent not only oral health damage, but obesity – a leading risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
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Community Water Fluoridation
The NZDA continues to strongly support and promote community water fluoridation as a safe and effective preventative measure to improve public oral health. It is the NZDA's postition that all New Zealanders who could have access to optimally fluoridated water do so have access.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that occurs in the earth's crust and is found in many foods we eat and drink, and in all drinking water. The amount of fluoride in the water varies between areas. The two most significant sources of fluoride are fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride works in two ways: systemically and topically.
Systemic: Fluoride builds into the developing tooth structure making them more resistant to decay. It is most effective when teeth get exposed to small levels of fluoride as they erupt through the gums.
Topical: Fluoride helps repair the early stages of decay by replacing the minerals lost on the surface of the teeth.
Community Water Fluoridation
This is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water supply to the optimal level of between 0.7ppm to 1ppm (parts per million). The amount added is monitored to make sure that the levels stay within that range. Water fluoridation has both systemic and topical effects on teeth.
Community Water Fluoridation is an effective, safe and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay for everyone.
Along with brushing teeth twice a day, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary drinks, water fluoridation helps to prevent tooth decay.
Click here to hear from trusted NZ health professionals and community leaders about community water fluoridation. They talk about the facts, the benefits and dispel some of the myths related to this critical health measure.
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National Oral Health Day
National Oral Health Day (NOHD) is NZDA’s annual campaign, launched in 2014 and now etched in the national calendar.
It brings Aotearoa together to celebrate and promote oral health through advocacy, education, and improved access to care pairing clear, evidence-based messages with practical tools for schools, workplaces, whānau, clubs, community teams, and dental teams. NOHD meets people where they live, learn, and work, and has helped drive lasting, systemic change across the motu.
InceptionOur inaugural 2014 theme, Dental Fitness, highlighted the link between oral and overall health, with Shaun Johnson fronting a nationwide programme that set an action-focused tone from day one.
Switch to Water (2015–2024)
The Switch to Water 30-day pledge reduced harm from sugary drinks and became a flagship health campaign across clinics, ECEs, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Impact at a glance:
- 112,000+ participants across 300+ schools; 9,000+ rangatahi in national competitions
- Water-only school environments grew from
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Oral Care Training for Carers of Older People
The NZDA supports an introduction of national protocols for dental hygiene care, and inclusion of oral care criteria as part of aged care facilities compliance with standards.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Ageing oral care training programme aimed at educating carers to look after residents’ oral hygiene care is run by NZDA with funding support from the Ministry of Health. This training is offered to care staff by NZDA dentists who are also best placed to deal with residents’ complex treatment needs and extended medical histories.
This training, developed by NZDA, extends beyond the minimal education provided by the aged-care sector training organisations that comprises only simple day-to-day oral hygiene instructions. Through this programme, participants not only learn about different oral hygiene aids and techniques but also about common oral health issues, the association between oral and general health, and effective communication and behaviour management techniques.
Participants are also trained to assess, plan and implement individual oral care plans for their residents. This focuses on developing a plan based on individual need as ageing can lead to a different range of dental problems.
About 5000 care workers have attended these sessions overall and the feedback received about the programme is excellent.
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World Oral Health Day
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) | 20 March 2026
A Happy Mouth is... a Happy Life!
This World Oral Health Day, we’re celebrating the powerful connection between oral health and living well every day. A healthy mouth doesn’t just help you eat, speak, and smile; it supports comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Oral health affects how we feel, how we connect with others, and how we experience daily life. When your mouth is healthy, it’s easier to enjoy food, communicate clearly, socialise confidently, and take part fully in the things you love.
Join FDI and NZDA in celebrating the impact oral health has on your overall wellbeing because when your mouth is happy, life feels better too.
Colouring Competition
(Ages 12 and under)
Colour and Spread Smiles Everywhere…
A healthy mouth helps you smile big, laugh freely, and enjoy life every day!
Grab your crayons and colouring pencils and bring our special World Oral Health Day design to life. Show us what a Happy Mouth, Happy Life looks like to you.
Click to download colouring sheet
Prizes:
All entries go into the draw to win:
- $100 Whitcoulls vouchers
- Oral hygiene kits for a class of 30 and a rechargeable electric toothbrush for the teacher
Entries close midnight Sunday 12 April 2026Send your entries to [email protected]
Inclusive Colouring Competition
(Under 18 - for children with additional needs)
Choose from the standard colouring page or request a simplified colouring page with larger shapes and clearer outlines. Children may complete their entry independently or with support and may use any tools or materials that help them participate comfortably.
Click to download colouring sheet
Prizes:
All entries go into the draw to win
- $100 Whitcoulls voucher
- Oral hygiene kits for a class of 30 and an electric toothbrush for the teacher
Entries close midnight Sunday 12 April 2026Send your entries to [email protected]
Dental Practice Challenge
Create a Happy Mouth Wall and WIN
Celebrate World Oral Health Day by creating a Happy Mouth Wall in your practice and inviting patients to share what keeps their mouth happy.
Use prompts such as:
- My happy mouth helps me… smile, eat, speak, laugh, or feel confident
- One thing I do to keep my mouth happy is...
How to enter:
Take a photo of your Happy Mouth Wall and
- Email your entry to [email protected], OR
- Post on Facebook and tag NZDA Healthy Smiles, OR
- Post on Instagram and tag @nzdahealthysmiles
Use the hashtag #WOHD26 #HappyMouthHappyLife
Prizes:
All entries go into the draw to win:
- Premium practice celebration hamper (two to be won)
Entries close midnight Sunday 12 April 2026Send your entries to [email protected]
Tag and Win Challenge
Social Media Competition
Share your oral health habits that help you live well and smile with confidence.
Tag 2 friends and @NZDAHealthySmiles (on Facebook or Instagram) and encourage them to share their oral health tips too.
Use the hashtags #WOHD26 and #HappyMouthHappyLife to enter the prize draw.
Prizes
- Water flosser
- Electric toothbrush (Two to be won)
Entries close midnight Sunday 12 April 2026
Visit the FDI website to download handy resources and check out other challenges.
Contact Anishma Ram for more information
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Media
Welcome to the media section. Here you will find useful summaries, Q&As, and other information on topics the NZDA is asked for media comment on.
Of course, this doesn’t replace speaking to a person, so we’re happy to provide expert spokespeople to comment on a story if required.
Media enquiries:
Contact: James Paul - 022 514 0716
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Media Releases
Media release, 24 September 2025NZDA supports dentists’ and doctors’ strike action
Media release, 17 September 2025Dentists call for stronger oral health policies following PHAC report
Media release, 25 August 2025NZDA honors outstanding Kiwi dentists at awards event celebrating 120th Anniversary
Media release, 22 May 2025Budget silence on dental care a false economy, says NZ Dental Association
Media release, 20 March 2025Dental Association share’s top tips for a healthy mouth on World Oral Health Day
Media release, 5 November 2024NZDA promotes water to Gen Z Kiwis in new social media campaign
Media release, 24 August 2024NZDA Awards honour outstanding Kiwi dentists
Media release, 19 March 2024Dental Association urges government to switch off sugar tap in schools
Media release, 4 December 2023Dental Association dismayed at plans to repeal Smokefree Amendments Act
Media release, 26 October 2023National Oral Health Day used to launch 30-day Switch to Water Challenge
Media release, 12 September 2023Dental Association welcomes National’s targeting better health outcomes
Media release, 5 September 2023Dental Association welcomes Labour’s pledge to extend free dental care
Media release, 20 March 2023Dentists urge Government action to address growing oral health crisis
Media release,1 December 2022Dental Association says dental grant increase ‘first step’ to improve dental access
Media release, 4 November 2022Dental Association calls for greater ‘water only’ focus in schools on National Oral Health Day
Media release, 5 September 2022Dental Association honours Dr Katie Ayers with Life Membership
Media release, 24 August 2022Taranaki dentist awarded NZDA Colleague of the Year Award 2022
Media release, 23 August 2022Canterbury’s Dr Donna Batchelor wins NZDA Service Award 2022
NZDA Statement, 8 July 2022NZDA statement on Wellington Water Fluoridation Inquiry
Media release, 19 May 2022NZDA Budget Day reaction
Media release, 16 May 2022Dentists support industrial action by Public Sector Oral Health Therapists, Dental Therapists and Dental Assistants
NZDA Statement, 7 April 2022NZDA statement on healthy drinks in schools consultation
Media release, 4 April 2022Dental Association acknowledges stalwart outgoing Chief Executive
Media release, 17 March 2022Dentists call on Government to improve New Zealand’s dental care this World Oral Health Day
Media release, 16 March 2022Found in translation: Nelson Refugee Dental Education Translation Project
Media release, 9 November 2021Dental Association delighted as water fluoridation drought ends
Media release, 5 November 2021Dental Association disappointed in Government’s dental efforts
Media release, 22 July 2021Dental Association concern over Pasifika dental health
Media release, 14 April 2021Dental Association says study shows impact of South Africa’s sugary drinks levy
Media release, 18 March 2021Dental Association welcomes pragmatic resolution to community water fluoridation decisions
Media release, 15 December 2020NZDA slam Coca Cola for ‘irresponsible, offensive’ marketing
Media release, 2 November 2020Switch to Water with Eliza McCartney
Media release, 6 October 2020NZDA Awards Evening set to honour outstanding dentists
Media release, 29 Setpember 2020NZDA welcomes Labour Party oral health policy
Media release, 15 September 2020NZDA welcomes policy to bolster dental spending on kids
Media release, 6 August 2020Dental Association doorsteps Parliament on low income dental access
Media release, 15 July 2020Dental Association says Kiwi-led study in ‘The Lancet’ shows sugar-tax benefit
Media release, 1 July 2020NZDA congratulates Kiwi winner of International College of Dentists grant
Media release, 13 May 2020Dentists reassure about safety in level 2; advises public to contact for appointments
Media release, 6 May 2020Dentists say redundancies increasing, large increase in emergency care provided under lockdown
Media release, 28 April 2020Dentists desperate to assist New Zealanders
Media release, 24 April 2020NZDA says oral health not a focus for government, feels shut out
Media release, 22 April 2020Dental Association issues dire warning to Epidemic Response Committee on dental care
Media release, 31 March 2020Dental Association survey reports dentists available for emergency dental treatment but lack of PPE an issue
Media release, 13 February 2020Dentists call on government to adopt Chile’s sugar reduction success
Media release, 3 February 2020Dental Association says UK evidence shows sugary drinks tax is effective
Media release, 25 November 2019Trans-Tasman Health Star meeting in Christchurch produces poor outcome for dental health
Joint media release, 13 November 2019Coca Cola labels exploit Māori
Media release, 11 November 2019Dentists say ‘Zero Carbon’ bipartisan approach needed for water fluoridation
Media release, 15 October 2019Water works wonders as Eliza McCartney backs Kiwis to Switch to Water
Media release, 3 October 2019Dentists back call for Government action on unhealthy food and drink
Media release, 21 August 2019Dental Association backs government review on sugar labels
Media release, 25 July 2019Dentists back World Head and Neck Cancer Day
Media release, 15 May 2019Dentists point to another study showing levies on sugary drinks work
Media release, 2 April 2019Dentists back calls to restrict junk food advertising
Media release, 20 March 2019Dental Association calls for greater low-income adult dental access on World Oral Health Day
Media release, 11 March 2019Dentists point to US sugary drink tax as prevention measure needed in NZ
Media release, 31 October 2018Spring in to the Switch to Water Challenge with Eliza McCartney
Media release, 10 October 2018Dental Association praises Naenae community market for sugary drink stance
Media release, 20 September 2018Dental Association ‘cautiously optimistic’ as Tax Working Group report backs sugary drinks tax
Media release, 13 September 2018Dental Association urges New Zealand not to be left behind on sugary drinks
Media release, 20 August 2018NZDA President calls out school dental service
Media release, 25 July 2018Dental Association praises Whanganui DHB for ‘water is best’ approach
Media release, 10 July 2018Dental Association calls for marketing regulations as study reveals Facebook sugary drinks marketing push
Media release, 27 June 2018NZDA statement on Civil Appeal Judgement Supreme Court
Media release, 20 June 2018Dental Association says low-cost prevention measures work
Media release, 29 May 2018Kiwi dentists back suggestion of graphic cigarette-style health warnings on sugary drinks
Media release, 28 May 2018Dental Association: aged care facilities should prioritise oral health
Media release, 9 May 2018Dental Association receive international award for ‘water only’ Kiwi schools
Media release, 16 January 2018Dental Association calls for action after Kiwi drinks found to be sweeter than overseas
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NZDA in the News
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Media Packs
Welcome to the media pack section. Currently, we have information packs on Community Water Fluoridation, Sugary Drinks, and Amalgam Fillings. More packs will be added to this section as we develop them.
Amalgam Fillings NZDA Media Pack
This section has key questions and answers relating to amalgam fillings, and draws on NZDA’s Position Statement on Dental Amalgam
Water Fluoridation NZDA Media Pack
This section talks about the natural substance of fluoride, how this is added to community water systems to provide dental health benefits, and the science behind this effective, safe and affordable public health measure
Sugary Drinks NZDA Media Pack
This is a ‘hot button’ topic, and one that the Dental Association believes requires immediate action. Here we talk about the harm of dental decay that these drinks cause, both through high sugar levels, but also acidity (pH level), we also outline our solutions for population -wide strategies to reduce sugary drink consumption.
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Media Enquiries
For all NZDA media enquiries please submit the form below and we’ll contact you shortly.
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