The purpose of these articles which my colleagues and I write (there are three hygienists at JL Dental Care) is not to preach about what you may be doing right or wrong. They are to help you make informed decisions with the goal of keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.
I appreciate that we speak often about the terrible effects of sugar on your teeth, and if you’re consciously taking steps to reduce your sugar intake it may feel like we are preaching to the converted. What may come as a surprise to many people is the amount of sugar you may be consuming without realising.
A great example is the recent ‘sugar tax’ announcement which will be introduced next year. Fizzy high sugar drinks are obviously going to have the levy, which is up to 24 pence per can or bottle. What we, as Hygienists, cannot understand is why drinks like fruit juices and smoothies are exempt.
You can find research carried out by The British Medical Journal by clicking here which states some of these drinks are even higher in sugar than the cola type ones included in the new tax.
The next time you decide to have a bottle of fruit juice, or give your children one, please look at the sugar content first. The recommended daily amount for children is less than 19g which equates to less than four spoonfuls.
It goes without saying that bottled water is always going to be the healthiest drink for any of us, however there is a range of ‘no sugar’ or ‘no added sugar’ drinks on the market if you prefer flavoured beverages.
Before you drink any ‘healthy’ fruit juice or smoothie please check the sugar content which is normally easily found on the traffic light system of food nutrition panels.
I couldn’t finish this article without pointing out that the best way to keep teeth protected is to brush well twice a day, and use floss or interdental brushes as needed. Also remember to regularly visit whichever of the hygienists you see at JL Dental Care.
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