Sugar and teeth
A few years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a review of medical literature to answer a series of questions regarding the effect of sugars on dental caries. The conducted analysis showed consistent evidence confirming the link between the amount of sugars consumed and the development of dental caries.
It is worth recalling that:
"more than half of three-year-olds (as many as 57%), 80% of five-year-olds, and up to 90% of seven-year-olds in Poland already have tooth decay. Statistics show that 35% of Polish children aged 7 have at least one filling, and 12% of children of this age have already experienced their first extraction of a diseased tooth." (zdrowie.gov.pl)
It was also pointed out that tooth decay is lower when the intake of free sugars is less than 10% of the human body's daily energy requirement. Researchers suggest that limiting sugar intake to less than 5% of energy can be highly beneficial in minimizing the risk of dental caries.
The effect of sugars on teeth persists throughout life. Cavities progress and develop with age. Even a very low level of tooth decay in childhood is significant for its development throughout later adult life.
Who is particularly at risk for tooth decay?
Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay, but children and teenagers are the most vulnerable. Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth loss in young people. Dental plaque begins to build up on teeth just 20 minutes after starting to eat, and if it is not effectively removed, decay begins. People who regularly consume sugar are more likely to develop tooth decay, especially if the food they consume is sticky or if they frequently snack on sweets between main meals. Snacks containing sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages have a particularly bad effect on teeth.
Currently, we consume far too much sugar in our diet. A report published by the WHO highlights the need to limit sugar intake to 5% of our energy intake. This is the equivalent of 7 teaspoons / cubes or 30g of sugar per day for an adult. The recommended amount for children is 24g for children aged 5-11 and 19g for children aged 4-6. This 5% limit is significantly lower than current consumption, which is 11.9% in children aged 1.5 to 3 years; 14.7% in children aged 4 to 10 years; and 15.6% in children aged 11–18 years. It is also believed that adhering to the 5% recommended sugar intake would also halt the rise in obesity.
Sugar and tooth decay
Sugars contained in food and drinks play a major role in the development of dental caries. Bacteria found in dental plaque use sugar as the energy needed for their growth and release acid as a byproduct. The acid gradually dissolves the enamel on teeth. Researchers point to a clear link between the consumption of sugar-containing foods and sugar-containing drinks and the occurrence of caries in both primary and permanent teeth. Free sugars are now found in almost every food and are the most important factor in the decline of oral health in both children and adults. This is particularly problematic in children who have become accustomed to consuming sugar at an early age.
How to prevent tooth decay? Here are some tips:
It is important to thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to clean your teeth with dental floss.
It is important to reduce the consumption of products containing sugars, and if that happens, to frequently rinse the mouth with water.
It is worth limiting snacking and thereby reducing acid production in the mouth.
The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited.
It is good practice to only eat sweet foods during main meals (e.g., as desserts).
