How Much Sugar is in your Food and Drinks?

With hidden sugars increasing in prevalence across many consumer food products and reaching epidemic levels in society, the link between sugar and the health of your teeth simply can’t be ignored. Knowing exactly which foods contain high amounts of sugar will help you avoid them or take the necessary precautions to protect your teeth when consuming something sweet.

Chocolate

A standard chocolate bar can contain up to 8 teaspoons of sugar. If you have a chocolate fix during the day, it’s important not to leave that sugar settling on your teeth to cause plaque build-up and eventual decay. Give your teeth a brush, or if that’s not possible, rinse your mouth as soon as possible. Darker chocolate still contains sugar but is a better option to milk chocolate as it contains lower sugar levels.

Soft Drinks

One can of soft drink contains just over 8 teaspoons of sugar. The combination of sugar and acid in these drinks makes them an easy cause of tooth decay if consumed regularly.

Fruit

Fruit contains a type of sugar called fructose. Some fruits are higher in sugar than others, such as mangoes. When it comes to your teeth, it’s important to be mindful that some fruits, eaten in excess without rinsing after, may increase the chance of tooth decay. Fruits that are high in sugar and citric acids, such as oranges, can cause more damage to your teeth than other fruits.

Breakfast

It’s the first meal of your day and you probably don’t want to put processed sugar straight into your body and all over your teeth first thing in the morning. That might seem simple, but it’s a challenge when so many breakfast cereals contain high amounts of sugar. Look for rolled oats, wheat biscuits or try a boiled egg instead of reaching for the sugary options.

Dinners

You might think you’re safe with your sugar consumption when it comes to dinner. However, be mindful of the fact that various sauces and packaged foods contain added sugar and this can all be combined to make for a decaying dinner, indeed. Even products as salty as soy sauce can have sugar in them. If in doubt, check the label and always make sure you rinse your mouth after dinner.

Contact Titirangi Dental for Your Oral Health Needs

At Titirangi Dental, we can give you all the information and personal advice on how sugar can affect your teeth. We provide a service that strongly believes in preventative dentistry as the best form of dentistry.

Our attentive and educated team are here to make sure you are receiving the best care possible for your teeth, managing your oral health to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. For all dental cavities, contact Titirangi Dental in West Auckland on 09 817 6057 to make your appointment today.