How much sugar can I have?
Sugar isn’t a bad thing to consume, just like everything else, it should be eaten in moderation. As a source of energy it can be good for you, in small amounts! The negative effects occur when you are having too much sugar. Your sugar intake shouldn’t exceed more than 10% of your daily energy intake, however it seems that the majority of us are consuming more sugar than we should be.
How can I look after my teeth (but still enjoy a treat)?
The easiest way to improve, is to start taking more notice of the sugar content in the products you are buying and consuming and make conscious decisions to avoid things that are high in sugar. You should also be maintaining good dental hygiene, brushing and flossing at least twice a day is crucial, especially when it comes to getting rid of those sugary remnants! Replace your usual sugary snacks with fresh fruits and natural yoghurts or keep the sugary snacks to a minimum! You can still allow yourself a sugary treat every now and then, but it’s important to make sure that you are keeping your teeth clean in between.
Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love a scoop of ice cream for dessert, especially now that spring is here! Whilst every tub is different, there is generally going to be high sugar content. Ice creams with the extra yummy additions like chocolate, cookies and caramel pieces are the biggest culprits, because it’s double the sweetness, meaning double the sugar.
Dried and Canned fruit
While we highly recommend eating fresh fruit daily, this doesn’t include dried or canned versions. Dried fruits can stick to the teeth, causing decay. Canned fruits are often sitting in a sugary syrup. So it’s best to stick with fresh fruit when opting for a fruit snack.
Cakes
Most of us have made a cake in our lifetime, so we all know how much sugar can be in cakes! Instead of buying a cake covered in sugary icing, why not find a low-sugar recipe instead? They can taste just as good, but your teeth will thank you for the lower sugar intake.
Lollies
It’s no surprise that lollies are incredibly sugary treats. On one hand you have chewy, sticky options, which can wedge between your teeth and cause cavities. Alternatively, hard lollies can cause even more damage to your teeth if you chomp down too quickly, causing a fractured tooth. Plus, the hardness means you’ll have it sitting in your mouth for longer, increasing the risk of cavities.
Chocolate
Chocolate is another sugary culprit, however it’s not all bad news! While milk and white chocolate contain a fair bit of sugar, it’s quite easy to rinse of your teeth if you drink water straight away. Plus, dark chocolate has an even lower amount of sugar, so if you get the chocolate craving, try opting for a dark variety instead.
Yoghurt
Low fat yoghurts can be misleading. While they may be low in fats, they tend to be high in sugars. However, unsweetened natural yoghurt doesn’t, in fact, natural yoghurt can be great for your teeth, so why not opt for a natural yoghurt instead with fresh fruits as a tasty snack.
Muesli bar
Another misleading snack, the muesli bar is sometimes advertised as a healthy product, however, they often have dried fruits or syrups which help them stick together. These additions are what make the amount of sugar in the bars that much higher.
