Sugar’s Impact on Tooth Decay Still Major Concern

Dentistry Today

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Many people don’t realize it but the adverse impact of sugar intake is just as bad for teeth as it is for the increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The information came to the forefront again because of new plans soon to be underway in the United Kingdom. Food and all things that a person consumes are just as important to one’s oral health as other aspects. This issue is a pressing matter based on the amounts of sugary drinks children consume these days.

 

Toothy decay results from the acid produced when sugar and oral bacteria combine. A review of studies conducted by the World Health Organization supports the link involving the level of sugar consumed and the onset of cavities. The risk of tooth decay is reduced when the level of sugar intake is less then 10 percent of the caloric intake.

Even though fluoride is readily available, tooth decay is a major health concern. That’s the reason these new plans are being put in place.

There are also certain new policies looking to be recommended, such as not having added sugar contribute more than 5 percent of total energy intake. Also, one of the key goals is to reach an industry standard as far as reducing sugar in processed foods and drinks.