The effects of sugar on your oral health

It is nearly impossible to eliminate ALL sugar from our diets, but it is possible be aware of and limit how much sugar is being consumed day to day.

Tooth decay is a disease that is significantly linked to the foods and drinks that we put into our mouths. The sugar that is present in these foods and drinks latch onto the bacteria lurking on our teeth and gums and begins to turn this sugar into acid, which is then spread onto the tooth’s surface, gradually drawing out healthy minerals from the tooth.

If this happens only once, it’s not a big deal, but if this is continually happening, and nothing is done to stop it, it can and will result in tooth decay, which means a trip to your dentist is needed in the near future!

What is the recommended daily sugar allowance?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for a healthy adult, sugar intake should be equal to 5% of their daily energy intake (measured in kilo joules (kJ)) the recommended kJ for an Australian adult is 8,700kJ. This is beneficial to not only overall health, but also to minimising the chance of tooth decay.

Calculating 5% of total energy intake (kJ):

5% of 8,700kJ

0.05 x 8700 = 435kJ

1 teaspoon of sugar = approximately 68kJ

So for an adult with the daily energy intake of 8,700kJ, 5% of this equals 6.3 teaspoons of sugar per day.

Ways to prevent tooth decay:

Learn how to read nutritional labels:

The sugar content will be listed on the food/drink’s Nutritional Information label, usually located on the back of the product. When comparing the amount of sugar in various foods or drinks, always compare by the 100ml/100g amount. This way you will get a more accurate representation of how which product has less sugar.

Once you have calculated your recommended daily sugar intake, you can use that information paired with the Nutritional Information to start making healthier choices.

Be wary of “hidden” sugars!

Companies often disguise additional sugar by listing them as a different name. Below is a list of 60 different names for sugars that you may find listed in the ingredients on the back of your product.

Drink water, not soft drinks!

Soft drinks, energy drinks, cordial, flavoured water/milk, juice, smoothies, the list goes on! All of these drinks are packed with sugars, which as we now know can result in formation of tooth decay. Not only is water sugar free, calorie free and amazing for your health, in most parts of Australia water also contains fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay!

Drinking water after meals can also help to dislodge food stuck between the teeth, which is great news for people who have that work meeting scheduled after lunch!

Chew on sugar-free gum!

Studies show that chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can increase the saliva that is present in the mouth. Saliva is a natural shield for your teeth and can prevent tooth decay by neutralising acid from sugar consumption. So after eating, try and chew on some sugar-free gum.

For more information, please contact your dentist. Appointments are available at Dental4U, please call (03) 9687 7786 or book online www.dental4u.com.au