There are many names for sugar which makes it easy to hide where we'd least expect it. Molasses and maltose? Sugar. Corn syrup and sucrose? Sugar. Honey and agave nectar? They're sugar too!
We Consume a Jaw-Dropping Amount of Sugar
Sugar is added to 74 percent of packaged foods, and the average American consumes 57 POUNDS of added sugar every year. That's enough fuel for the harmful bacteria living in our mouths (particularly during orthodontic treatment when there are so many extra nooks and crannies for food to stay trapped after meals and snacks).
Oral Health Versus Sugar
Sugar has many adverse health effects, but we're focused on how it impacts our teeth as dental professionals. Sugar consumption is closely linked to tooth decay and gum disease, and it can eventually lead to needing treatment like root canal therapy and fillings.
Reducing Sugar Intake
With so many disguises for sugar, how can we avoid it? The simplest way is to cut out sugary fruit juices, cereals, and sodas for our kids and ourselves. We should also read food labels and purchase foods with less added sugar. Finally, we'll have better control of how much sugar goes into our food if we make more of our food from scratch.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
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