Diet - What to avoid-or at least reduce
Most people are aware that sugar causes dental decay (dental caries) and therefore holes in the teeth. Obviously it is sensible to reduce sugar intake and frequency. It is better to eat sugar as part of a meal. Constant sugary snacking during the day is especially bad for your teeth as if means the teeth are constantly washed with sugary saliva, providing the perfect environment for the bugs that cause dental decay. The same is true for sugar in tea and coffee.
Sugar is a term commonly used to refer to a group carbohydrates. These include glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, lactose, maltose and sucrose. Some of these sugars cause more dental decay than others. Sucrose is the worst but glucose, fructose,(fruit) and maltose (honey) also cause dental decay. Lactose found in milk and galactose are less likely to cause decay. Packaging on food products can be confusing at best as sugars are often listed individually. After sugar has been eaten the saliva becomes more acidic which is good for forming cavities- bad for the teeth!. If foods that increase the flow of saliva are eaten after a meal eg chewing gum this reduced the time that the saliva is acidic and therefore the time period that decay can occur.
Breakfast cereals
Many breakfast cereals especially those aimed at children contain high levels of sugar. Also it is common to add sugar to cereal. It is important to make sure that food is removed from the teeth as cereals tend to cling to the teeth.
Sweets
Jelly based sweets stick to the teeth for a longer time period than plain or milk chocolate.
Fizzy Drinks
Carbonated drinks such as cola, lemonade and flavoured waters cause erosion of the teeth. This is the same for sugar free versions. Carbonated drinks are acidic and this softens the tooth surface (enamel). When the tooth surface is softened it is more susceptible to decay but also to wearing away. Many parents aware of the decay risk of a sugary diet buy their children the sugar free versions unaware of the risk of erosion. Some flavoured waters are the most acidic and some people take these to bed to drink during the night!
Natural Fruit Juices
Fruit juices contain fructose naturally. So although there may be no added sugar this does not mean NO SUGAR. Also they are acidic so cause erosion if drunk in large quanitities. If you drink fruit juice at breakfast the enamel becomes softened if you then clean your teeth you will wear the enamel away leading perhaps to sensitivity and erosion cavities. We advise that you never clean your teeth after recently drinking fruit juice.
Children and adults can enjoy sugar but in moderation !!!!!!
