It’s long been established that an excess amount of sugar in a person’s diet will lead to weight gain and a host of health issues related to being overweight including high blood pressure and diabetes. Ingesting an excess amount of sugar on a regular basis is also harmful to your teeth. To better understand how to reduce your sugar intake it is helpful to have basic knowledge of the types of sugars found in food and how those sugars impact your teeth.
Always get advice or talk to your dentist about any issues you have concerning your teeth, mouth and gums.
When you eat sugar a select group of harmful bacteria produce acid in your mouth and that acid removes minerals from the tooth enamel.1 When the tooth enamel is destroyed, dental cavities occur. Your saliva and the use of fluoride help to reverse the damage from an acid attack.
Naturally occurring sugars aren’t the ones we need to avoid. The small amounts of naturally occurring sugars in fruit, vegetables and dairy products are offset by benefits including fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds found in these foods.
It is the sugars added to foods during preparation, processing or at the table which pose risks to the human body, including the teeth. The Food and Drug Administration requires that all nutrition labels include the amount of total sugars and the amount of added sugars in food products.
The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons or 24 grams of added sugars per day and that men consume no more than 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of added sugar a day.2 While sugar consumption has decreased in the U.S. over the years, it was reported that in 2012 the average adult sugar intake was 77 grams a day.3 There are about 4.2 grams of sugar in a level teaspoon of sugar.
To reduce the sugar in your diet there are some simple dietary changes you can make. Trade water for soft drinks and fruit juices, as most contain 8 teaspoons (34 grams) of sugar per 12 oz. serving.4 Diet soft drinks should also be avoided. While they don’t contain sugar, diet soft drinks generally contain either citric acid or phosphoric acid which also causes erosion of tooth enamel. Limiting the amount of candies, sweets and baked goods is also recommended.
While it is difficult to eliminate all added sugars from your diet, if you do consume foods or beverages (or diet soft drinks) it helps to rinse your mouth with water after you consume these foods or beverages.5 Because saliva softens enamel after you eat or drink, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth so your tooth brushing doesn’t abrade the softened enamel.. Use a straw when drinking sugary beverages, like orange juice. This will minimize contact with your teeth.
One of your best defenses against tooth enamel erosion is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. That means you need to brush your teeth with a soft bristled brush twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and floss and use an oral rinse with fluoride each day.
It is also important to see your dentist regularly and have your teeth cleaned every six months to remove any tartar that can’t be removed by brushing.
Get Started on Achieving Optimal Dental Health
Call our Walled Lake Dental Clinic to schedule a Free Consultation and get the dental care that you need and deserve. Patient care and safety is our top priority as we address the dental needs and concerns of the entire family. If you need restorative dentistry, dental treatments or cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile, we’ve got you covered. Get a healthy mouth and beautiful smile that lasts with customized dental care with Dr Hechtman!
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1 How Sugar Causes Cavities and Destroys Your Teeth by Verena Tan, RD, PhD, 4/6/2017
Link: https://www. nutrition/how-sugar-destroys healthline.com/ -teeth
2 What is the Daily Recommended Intake of Sugar? by John P Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Link: https://www. nutrition/how-sugar-destroys healthline.com/ -teeth
3, 4, 5 Daily Intake of Sugar – How Much Sugar Should You Eat Per Day by Kris Gunnars, BSc, 6/10/2021
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sugar-per-day