Sugar and its effect on your teeth – be sugar savvy this season…

We are fast approaching what could be called ‘sugar season.’ Halloween treats, toasted marshmallows & toffee apples on bonfire night, and then the finale of Christmas. We often indulge more in sugary sweet treats at this time of year. In fact, according to the NHS Better Health page, kids consume double the amount of sugar recommended, and half of this sugar is from snacks and sugary drinks.

Added sugar and tooth decay

Sugar sneaks into all sorts of consumables. It’s not solely white sugar. It also includes sugars from fruit juices, honey, syrups, and nectars. Having too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, and the NHS has reported that every 10 minutes a child in England attends hospital to have a tooth removed.

Tooth decay occurs when acid in the mouth attacks the enamel and dentine of the teeth, causing holes or cavities to form. The acid forms when the plaque on the teeth and the sugar consumed react together.

Tips & tricks to prevent tooth decay

There are small lifestyle changes we can make to limit the sugar in our diets. We recommend swapping fizzy drinks for milk, water and sugar-free or no added sugar drinks. Fruit juices, although form part of your one-a-day fruit and veg, can also increase your sugar intake, so try and limit these to approx. 150ml per day.

Sugar can appear in all sorts of products, and it’s hard to know how much is in more unlikely products, such as pasta sauces, soups, curries, and pre-packaged foods. If you are unsure how much sugar is in certain products, there is a great app to find out called the NHS Food Scanner App.

There are other easy tips to keep your oral health in good condition. These include:

• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental brushes
• Rinse with a fluoride-containing mouthwash
• Reduce the number of sugary foods and rinse your mouth with water after you’ve eaten them
• Reduce grazing on snacks throughout the day, as this reduces acid production and gives your teeth a chance to recover between acid attacks
• Reduce the number of sugary drinks you consume
• Only eat sugary foods at mealtimes
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to boost saliva flow

Regular dental check-ups

Alongside these small lifestyle changes, it’s essential to maintain your dental health with regular check-ups. It gives the best chance to keep your mouth healthy and prevents unwanted, more extensive dental treatment later down the line. We recommend you come and visit our friendly dental practice in Leeds every six months.

At your dental check-ups, we will talk through any problems or concerns you may have with your oral health. We will thoroughly examine your mouth and devise a tailored treatment plan. During your examination, we will:

• Check for signs of tooth decay
• Check for any signs of gum disease
• Check jaw joints for any issues
• Check for any signs of oral cancer
• Assess your oral hygiene and find out about your brushing routines

If necessary, we may take X-rays to check your teeth and bone levels. We pride ourselves in our patient care and allow plenty of time to discuss any concerns you may have. You will be provided with a treatment plan, and the costs will be clearly outlined should you need further treatment with us.

Dental finance

If you require any dental treatment in Leeds with us, we understand that some treatments can be costly. That’s why we offer our patients 0% finance. This plan allows patients to spread their dental costs over a year without incurring any interest charges, thus making it more affordable.

You may prefer to spread the costs over a longer period of 2-3 years. If this is the case, we can help you arrange a dental loan through Denplan and Aesthetique Health Limited.