A sugary Problem

Sugar, in moderation, is an essential part of a healthy diet and too much sugar can have significant, negative effects on our general wellbeing. Whilst obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are three areas of concern, rates of tooth decay are increasing at an alarming rate.

Matthew Hopcroft of The Australian Dental association recently stated that “One in two Aussie kids have tooth decay, and decay rates have increased by more than 50% since 1996. Sugar is one of the main reasons. Sugar is absolutely everywhere. People need to realise that it’s not just about soft drinks, cakes, and lollies. Processed and packaged foods are full of hidden sugar, and that is contributing to our poor health. For example, a breakfast of cereal and low-fat yoghurt could easily contain more than 9 teaspoons of sugar – already well over the daily limit.” 

The World Health Organization recommends that an average Australian digest a maximum of six teaspoons of sugar per day. Research suggests that most are consuming around 3 times that amount, with many teenagers and children taking in more than 20 teaspoons daily.

Why sugar is bad for our teeth.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, describes the constant battle against the effects of sugar that our mouths are engaged in as a tug-of-war.

‘’On one side, we have Dental plaque – a sticky, colourless film of bacteria – plus food and drinks that contain sugar or starch (such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice and many others). Whenever we eat something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to procude acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth’s hard outer surface, or enamel.

On the other side, we have the minerals in our saliva (such as calcium and phosphate) plus fluoride from toothpaste and water, and other sources. This team helps enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an “acid attack”

Our teeth go through this natural process of losing minerals and regaining minerals all day long. ‘’

How can we help the fight?

There are a number of things that we can do to redress the balance and help the natural defences that our mouth’s offer and these include:

Limit intake of sugary soft and sports drinks. Each time you ingest a mouthful of these drinks, a damaging reaction that lasts around 20 minutes begins. If you must drink these beverages, it is recommended to have no more than one per day. Additionally, it is suggested that you drink it quickly as this will limit the effects on your dental health.

Reduce snacking and save sweets for special occasions only. Remember every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, the acid will attack your tooth enamel – eventually winning the tug of war. Keeping an eye on what you eat throughout the day and how often you are eating will help reduce the impact of the acid and give your teeth more time to repair themselves.

Brushing before bed. Make sure that you brush your teeth before bed and don’t go to sleep immediately after eating. Whilst asleep, our saliva flow decreases, meaning that our teeth are unable to effectively protect against the acid attack. Daily flossing will also help to rid your mouth of more potentially damaging bacteria.

And finally –

Visit the dentist.  A regular 6 monthly check up and clean will help catch any early stages of decay and clean off any plaque and bacteria.

By being more aware of what we eat and drink on a daily basis, and the ways that we can help the natural defences contained in our mouths, we can reverse the upward trend of tooth decay and ensure that young Australians have the healthiest, whitest smiles on the planet.

Chantelle Affleck

Referenced:
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/OralHealthInformation/ChildrensOralHealth/ToothDecayProcess.htm?_ga=2.18313149.580211596.1499737867-1082834080.1499737867

https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Australia-is-in-the-midst-of-a-Sugardemic