Tooth Decay

Eating too much sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay. This is because each time sugar is in the mouth bacteria converts it to acid that attacks the teeth to produce tooth decay.

To one extent or another, tooth decay is almost universal, however, it occurs less in societies where little sugar is eaten. Tooth decay or dental caries is caused when bacteria are allowed to remain undisturbed on the teeth for more than a day or so, they join with food debris to form a sticky film called plaque.

As the bacteria digest sugar, they release acids and plaque holds these acids firmly against the teeth, which in turn dissolve the minerals in the teeth. The result is tooth decay starting at the surface of the tooth and penetrating inward.

Brushing and flossing the teeth at least once every 24 hours is helps to prevent the build-up of the plaque that directly leads to decay but limiting sugar in the diet can also be helpful, especially for small children.

University studies have shown a reduced sugar diet is associated with reduced levels of tooth decay. Sugar substitutes can be of benefit in reducing tooth decay as the foods do not contain sugar for the bacteria to live off.

Children's teeth are more at risk of tooth decay. Never leave babies and young children with sugary drinks or juices, as they may be drunk slowly over a period of time fully coating the teeth and leaving them more susceptible to decay. This is especially so if given in a bottle or a feeder cup.

Also, make sure to dilute fresh fruit drinks with water (half-and-half) as this will dilute the fruit acids (natural sugars) that cause tooth decay.

Main sources of sugars in the diet
· Sugars, white, brown and raw cane sugar
· Jams, marmalades and preserves
· Honey, syrups, treacle
· Fruit juices, dried fruits
· Manufactured foods containing added sugars
· Tins of fruit
· Sauces
· Desserts
· Puddings
· Cakes
· Biscuits
· Chocolates and sweets

A few simple changes can help you reduce your sugar intake

If you normally add sugar to tea and coffee, gradually reduce the amount you add, drink fewer drinks or try using an artificial sweetener instead.

Choose diet soft drinks and 'No Added Sugar' or sugar-free squashes.

Cut down on jam, marmalade, honey and syrup or choose reduced versions.

Try low sugar varieties of desserts and have fresh fruit for dessert or cheese instead for a change.

Where possible reduce the amount of sugar you use in recipes such as cakes.

Cut down or limit sugary foods and drinks between meals.

Check the ingredient list of packed foods for
- Sucrose, glucose, dextrose, fructose and maltose which are all forms of sugar
- Food ingredients are listed in order of the greatest first. Therefore, pick foods where sugars are lower down on the ingredients list.

Buy less sweet breakfast cereals without a sugar coating such as Wheat bisks, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies and Shredded wheat.

Baby foods and drinks do not need sugar added; try not to encourage children to have a sweet tooth at an early age, as this will continue into adulthood.

Try not to use sugary sweets as a reward for children or yourself, offer healthy, sugar free foods instead.

Submitted by Sugarfree UK