Reduce Sugar to Prevent Tooth Decay

This is not breaking news. You’ve heard this before. Sugar plays a part in our tooth decay. In fact, sugar is the leading cause of cavities as bacteria in our mouths feed off particular sugars and produce plaque that contains acid, which removes the minerals from the enamel of our teeth. Simply stated, this is not good. This is one reason why it’s so important to visit your dentist in South Loop and Lakeview for regular cleanings and checkups.

Recently, the WHO (World Health Organization) has decreased its 2002 guidelines for daily maximum sugar intake from 10% down to 5% with 3% as the goal. Five percent is 25 g of sugar per day. This is an attempt to confront tooth decay and obesity.

What is interesting is that the WHO has discovered that those with notably higher incidences of tooth decay are adults. Apparently it’s not just the kids who are getting their sugar highs. Over 90% of American adults have had tooth decay, which is a much higher stat than in other countries like Nigeria, where only 2% of the population has had tooth decay.

So, what can be done to help reduce our sugar intake and lessen our tooth decay in our country?

Here are 6 strategies from Medical News Today for reducing sugar and lessening tooth decay and obesity in our society:

1. Reduce daily sugar intake to 3%.
2. Warnings of the harm that can be caused by fruit juices and sugary treats.
3. Vending machines with sugary drinks and confectionery have been removed from local government-supported areas.
4. No public-supported organizations should be subsidizing the expensive troubles that poor dental health, diabetes, and obesity have.
5. Add a 20% tax to sugary drinks to help reduce obesity
6. Develop a tax to increase the cost of any drink or food that is high in sugar. A 20% increase in the cost of high-sugar foods and liquids would have a reasonable effect on consumer demand.

Read more here.

What can you do within your family to reduce sugar intake?

Here are 7 easy ways from the Mother Nature Network to cut the intake of sugar in your own home:

1. Eat Unsweetened applesauce instead of regular applesauce.
2. Choose a heartier fiber cereal or steel-cut oatmeal instead of sugar cereal for breakfast.
3. Throw out that Gatorade and drink coconut water instead.
4. Try snacking on a graham cracker when you normally would grab your Oreos.
5. Use an all-fruit spread on your toast instead of jams or jellies.
6. Make your own pasta sauce instead of using the store-bought sauce.
7. Try a dark chocolate snack instead of a high-sugar nutrition bar.