LESS SUGAR :
Now that is something to smile about
Sugar is a leading risk factor for tooth decay . A high intake of free sugars – all sugars added to foods and drinks and natural sugars in honey , syrups and fruit juices – is associated with higher rates of dental cavities .
As parents , we need to help our kids break the bad sugar habit . So , take action by reducing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages our children drink - rather introduce more fruits and vegetables in their daily diet .
Choosing fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies , cakes and chocolate helps reduce consumption of sugars . Limiting intake of soft drinks and other drinks high in sugars ( fruit juices , cordials , syrups , flavoured milks and yogurt drinks ) also helps reduce sugar in their diet .
The sugar stats *
• Consuming free sugars more than four times a day leads to an increased risk of dental cavities
• There are 10.6g ( 2.5 teaspoons ) of sugar in 100ml of a soft drink . This equates to 8 teaspoons in a 330ml can
• The World Health Organization recommends that we limit sugar to less than 10 % of our total daily energy intake
• For pre-school and young children , free sugars intake should not be more than about 30g ( 7 teaspoons ) per person per day
• For teenagers and adults , free sugars intake of above 60g ( 14 teaspoons ) per person per day increases the rate of dental cavities .
4 Steps to a healthier smile Our children deserve to grow up with healthy smiles , along with the best possible oral and general health and we can do something about it :
• Limit sweets , sugary foods and sugar-filled drinks
• Brush teeth in the morning and at night
• Floss every day
• Visit your dentist at least once a year
* Source : FDI World Dental Federation
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 4 | 2021
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