High-Sugar Foods And Dental Caries By Eric Timmy At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Foods high in sugar are popular in American diets. These empty-calorie foods (e.g., candy, soft drinks, sweetened gelatin, and some desserts) provide energy but contain little or no dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Studies link the rising prevalence of obesity in children to consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. On average, Americans drink 53 gallons of soda per year 40% more than two decades ago. Consider that one 12 ounce soft drink contain 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. Would you add that much sugar to a glass of ices tea?

People with high energy needs, such as active teenagers and young adults, can afford to get a bit more of their calories from high-sugar foods. People with low energy needs, such as some elderly or sedentary people or people trying to lose weight, cannot afford as many calories from high-sugar foods. Most people can include moderate amounts of sugar in their diet and still meet other nutrient needs.

High sugar intake contributes to dental caries, or cavities. When bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars, they produce acids that eat away tooth enamel and dental structure, causing dental caries. Although these bacteria quickly metabolize sugars, they feed on any carbohydrate, including starch.

The longer a carbohydrate remain in the mouth, the more likely it is to promote dental caries. Foods that stick to your teeth, such as caramel, licorice, cracker, sugar cereals, and cookies, are more likely to cause dental caries than foods that are quickly washed out of your mouth. If you sip high-sugar beverages such as soft drinks over an extended period of time, you will be more likely to have problems with dental caries. A baby should never be put to bed with a bottle, because the warm milk or juice may remain in the mouth all night, providing a ready source of carbohydrate for bacteria to break down.

Snacking on high-sugar foods throughout the day provides continuous carbohydrates that nourish the bacteria in your mouth, promoting the formation of dental caries. Good dental hygiene, adequate fluoride, and a well-balanced diet for strong tooth formation can help prevent dental caries.

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