Being healthy is something that most of us aim for.
We brush our teeth twice a day. We go for a jog around the neighbourhood. We eat a handful of nuts instead of chomping on a chocolate. We see our doctor whenever we don’t feel well.
But are you aware that all your good work could be being undone by sugars lurking in the depths of many of the processed food items you consume?
Sugar is everywhere in supermarket staples, even some that might appear to be healthy on the surface, and so this Dental Health Week we’re pulling back the sugary curtain to show you what’s really in the food you eat, and how this information can help you be healthier all over but especially in your mouth.
In other words, we want you to become more “sugar savvy”.
Hiding in plain sight
Figures show that the average Australian is consuming 14 teaspoons of sugar a day, a whole lot more than the maximum six teaspoons a day recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Look out for hidden sugars when purchasing foods and drinks.
Look out for these in the list of ingredient located on the food/drink label.
There are over 50 different ingredient names that represent sugar.
Consume no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of free sugar per day.
This is the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to decrease your risk of developing tooth decay.
Free sugar (added sugars), as well as the sugar naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juice should be no more than 5% of daily total energy intake (kilojoule) for the average adult.
This recommendation does not reference sugar from fruit, vegetables or dairy.
Choose foods with less than 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams (10%).
You will find this information on the Nutrition Information Panel located on the food/drink label.
Less than 5 grams per 100 grams is ideal. If a food or drink item has greater than 15g per 100g of sugar, it is best to find a healthier product.
Eat a nutritious diet, low in sugar.
Limit your sugar intake as its single-biggest cause of tooth decay.
Choose tap water as your drink of choice. Avoid sugar based beverages and acidic drinks (low pH).
Choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, nuts and vegetables.
Avoid snacking and grazing.
Good health!
