The Sugar Explosion And How It Harms Our Teeth

13 / 04 / 2018

The Sugar Explosion And How It Harms Our Teeth

Can Our Ipswich Patients Really Cut Down On This Tooth Damaging Food Product?

It is a well-established fact that sugar is bad news for our teeth.

Increasingly, we read stories of children having to have teeth extracted in hospital due to neglect, and no doubt, high sugar consumption. This can arise from eating too many sweets, but sugar is now present in a growing number of products that we might not even think about.

Although much of the blame for decaying teeth in children seems to be falling on fizzy drinks, it is worth remembering that even fruit drinks often contain high sugar levels. In some cases, it is added, but even pure fruit drinks contain high levels of sugar which occurs naturally in fruit.

How can we avoid sugar?

In truth, it is almost impossible to avoid sugar altogether, and most of us will not want to. Sugar should be seen as a treat, for special occasions etc and not treated as an essential foodstuff, which it certainly isn’t, especially in its refined state. As far as children go, sweets are sometimes used as ‘currency’, as a ‘bribe’ or to placate them when they are in a bad mood. Try to avoid doing this, and, where you deem it necessary, perhaps offer small toys or other non-sugar treats as an alternative.

If they are thirsty, give them water or very dilute juice, saving sugary drinks only for special occasions.

Negotiating the supermarket aisles can be tricky and it is no accident that they are designed to draw children in with bright colours and giveaways. Then, at the end of a weary shopping trip, even adults are drawn in by the chocolate bars so temptingly placed near the till for a quick sugar boost when we are feeling tired.

All things in moderation

While most of us would do well to reduce our sugar consumption, even the staff at The Lighthouse Dental Practice have a sweet tooth from time to time. The most important thing is that you make sure to take good care to keep your teeth really clean with regular brushing both morning and last thing before going to bed. If you have children, make sure that they clean their teeth well too, supervising the younger ones to make sure that they do.

Make sure to visit our family dental practice in Ipswich on a six-monthly basis, or more if advised. We also strongly recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned by our hygienist every six months or so. This will enable the hardened bacteria from the teeth and gum line to be removed, reducing the risk of gum disease.

Whether you try to avoid sugar or are a ‘sugar addict’, we are always happy to see new patients at our Ipswich practice. You can call The Lighthouse Dental Practice on 01473 257379 to register as a patient, or, if you are already on our books, to arrange an appointment.

We are here to help you.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.