The Effects of Sugar on your Oral Health
Myth: Sugar causes tooth decay.
Truth: Sugar itself does not cause tooth decay. Certain harmful bacteria that is found inside your mouth feed on the sugars that you eat, to create acids that destroy tooth enamel. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that is caused by these acids.
High Sugar Consumption in Australia
Australian Dental Association (ADA) figures show that the average Australian consumes more than 2 times the world’s average of 17 teaspoons of sugar every day. Some of the major examples of food that we consume daily that contain high levels of sugar include dried fruit, sweet and savory biscuits, fruit juice, muesli bars, sugary cereals, sweetened yogurt and canned fruit.
The number one cause of tooth decay is consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis!- ADA’s Oral Health Committee Chairman, Dr Aldritt
Tips for eating sugary foods
Although it is important to cut back on the sugary foods, there are some tips that will help you if you decide to indulge:
Reduce the number of times you eat these foods
Try and eat these foods as part of a meal such as lunch, and avoid snacking continuously on these items
Rinse with water after eating
More information on the negative effects of sugar
A great film to watch that shows the effect of sugar on not only our oral health, but overall health is the Australian “That Sugar Film”. Check out the trailer below
