Tooth decay is the most prevalent health problem in Australia with government reports showing that it is the second-most costly disease linked to diet, with roughly 11 million newly decaying teeth arising every year. This is concerning as the Australian Dental Association states that 90% of problems with teeth can be prevented.
Sugar being the number one cause of dental decay was increased in the 1990’s when the low-fat craze hit. Food manufacturers removed fat from their products and to compensate started adding more sugar to make up for the lack of flavour. Most food products that are ‘low-fat’ or ‘fat-free’ have higher sugar content than their regular counter parts increasing the risk of decay. Sugars can easily hide in foods that we don’t even consider sweet. Examples of these foods include: bread, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce, BBQ and tomato sauce, peanut butter, yogurt, pre-made soup, flavoured coffee, beer and every canned food available.
The average Australian consumes more than 60 grms (14 teaspoons) of sugar a day. One of the reasons that the average sugar consumption is so high is because it is hidden. Sugars on package lables often take on many different names such as:
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Galactose
- High fructose corn syrup
- Maltodextrin
- Moltose
- Sorbitol
- Sucrose
- Lactose
So how can we reduce these sugars?
1. Maintaining optimal oral healh – this can be achieved by visiting your dentist regularly, brushing teeth twice a day and flossing.
2. Reducing sugar in your diet – It’s always important to read product lables carefully and know what to look for.
3. Drink water – swap soft drink, fruit juice and energy drinks for water.
A sugary treat every now and then is fine, just be sure to follow with water and to not make is a part of your every day meal.
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