Tooth Decay and Sugar: How Cutting Sugar Intake Can Protect Your Smile

Even though people have put in extra attention to dental and oral wellness today, tooth decay continues to rank as one of the most common chronic illnesses.

In a study that was conducted worldwide, it was found that tooth decay has a global prevalence of 35 per cent. Here in Australia, up to 30 per cent of adults have untreated tooth decay, making it a significant public health concern.

If this condition is not solved in time, one can experience pain, infection, and tooth loss. To address this concern, it would be beneficial to address its causes first.

One of the major contributors that should be tackled would be sugar consumption. The sugars found in the sweets you and your children love serve as a food source to bacteria in your mouth.

As a result, plaque builds up and releases acids that damage the teeth. Over time, this ongoing acid attack leads to enamel erosion and the formation of cavities — the early signs of tooth decay.

For this reason, professionals suggest that sugar consumption should always be in check.

WHO’s Reminders On Sugar Intake

To address the harm that can be brought about by unregulated sugar intake, the World Health Organisation (WHO) established a set of guidelines. Based on this, the sugars can constitute no more than 10 per cent of the entire energy consumption.

This is equivalent to 50 grams of sugar in a day. Furthermore, WHO reiterates that the daily target should only be 5 per cent or 25 grams for a day.

These recommendations aim to reduce not only obesity and diabetes but also oral health issues such as tooth decay. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly exceed these limits, primarily through hidden sugars found in processed foods, snacks, and drinks.

Despite the presence of these reminders, tooth decay is still a major problem for many people. This indicates that while awareness exists, further action and tighter control on sugar intake may be necessary.

A Move To Change The Recommendations On Sugar Intake And Tooth Decay

Researchers from London have recently published a study that explored the correlation between the WHO-recommended daily sugar intake and the onset of tooth decay. They have found that despite the regular use of fluoride, tooth decay still occurs with increasing sugar intake.

For both kids and adults, the incidence of dental caries significantly increased as the sugar intake rose from 0 to 10 per cent.

The findings pushed the researchers to recommend that the suggested daily sugar intake should be cut down to half, to just 3 per cent. That would mean limiting daily sugar intake to under 15 grams (around 3 teaspoons) to protect teeth from decay better.

This research suggests that even moderate sugar consumption can fuel bacterial activity and acid production in the mouth, eventually leading to tooth decay, even in individuals who use fluoride toothpaste.

The Role of Daily Habits in Tooth Decay Prevention

To prevent tooth decay, cutting sugar is a decisive first step — but it shouldn’t stop there. It is also necessary to ensure good oral health.

To have and maintain a healthy smile, it is important to brush two times a day using toothpaste with fluoride, floss daily, and visit your Northmead dentist regularly for a dental check-up and cleaning.

Simple tips to minimise the risk of tooth decay can also be given a go:

• Drink water after meals or snacks to help rinse away sugars and acids.
• Choose fresh fruit over processed snacks and lollies.
• Restrict soft drinks, fruit juices and energy beverages.
• Avoid frequent snacking between meals, especially on high-sugar foods.

Making these minor adjustments can significantly reduce your chances of developing tooth decay, especially when combined with professional dental care.

Tooth Decay Treatment in Northmead

When it comes to preventing tooth decay and other dental and oral health problems, it is best to consult your trusted Northmead dentist here at My Local Dentists. We assure you of high-quality dental care, conveniently and affordably available to you, thus enabling you and your family to attain optimal dental and oral well-being effortlessly.

Call us at (02) 9630 9996 or book online.

Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.