The bittersweet truth about sugar

From candy and soda to health foods with added sweetener, it’s easy to feel surrounded by sugar. Despite how good it tastes, sugar can be tough on your teeth.

A sugar-rich diet feeds the bacteria in your mouth, causing them to multiply and produce acid that demineralizes your teeth. Over time, this will can cause tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. Too much sugar also contributes to numerous overall health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

In 1800, the average person in the United States consumed about 22.4 grams of sugar per day. This number has skyrocketed – today, half of Americans take in around 227 grams of daily sugar.

Despite the widespread availability of sugar, it is possible to eat and drink less of it. Here are a few small ways to reduce your intake over time:

• Find healthy substitutes. For instance, you could sweeten oatmeal with fresh fruit instead of a spoonful of sugar. You’ll consume less sugar and more nutrition to support a healthy smile.
• Read nutrition labels. Pay attention to how much sugar you’re eating throughout the day so you don’t accidentally have too much of it. The recommended daily allowance for added sugar is 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams per day for women.
• Watch your beverage. Sweet juices and sodas can quickly push you over your daily limit and constantly expose your teeth to sugar, which will lead to plaque and, eventually, cavities. Choosing water is a quick way to reduce your sugar consumption. And as a bonus, it also helps wash down remaining food to keep your mouth clean.

Remember, sugar isn’t inherently bad. It’s a natural part of fruits and vegetables and is an important part of our bodies’ function. Your goal should always be to find balance, not to eliminate certain parts of your diet. Luckily, finding balance is a lot easier than total elimination!

No matter how much sugar you consume, a great way to keep your smile strong is to attend your regular dental cleanings and to maintain a healthy daily routine.

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily and floss once daily.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Reach the entire surface of each tooth, with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.

Everyone enjoys the occasional treat – but keeping your smile healthy is pretty sweet, too.