How Much Sugar?
A Guide by a Hornchurch Dentist!
High sugar intake is a big problem when it comes to weight loss and trying to achieve a balanced diet in the UK. Did you know teenagers and young adults consume the most sugar in the UK and only 40.2% of people have a balanced diet in the UK? Having a high sugar intake could lead to many serious health problems and dental cavities as explained below:
How a higher sugar intake affect your oral health
High sugar intake causes molecules to combine with saliva and bacteria that is in the mouth to which then forms plaque on your teeth. Bacteria feeds on sugar and carbohydrates which then later forms acid. Acid producing bacteria can either do 2 things.
They can damage the enamel of your tooth.
Or If left untreated, they will generate cavities to which will later cause dental pain and discomfort.
Your oral health is not the only thing that can be affected, a high sugar intake can put you at risk of higher blood pressure, inflammation, increased weight, diabetes and even a heart attack.
How much sugar do the UK's favourite snacks contain?
330 ml can of coke – 35 grams which is equivalent to around 7 teaspoons of sugar.
Dairy milk chocolate bar – 6 teaspoons of sugar.
½ cup of cookie dough Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream – 25 grams is equivalent to 6 teaspoons
MacDonald's Big Mac - 65g is equivalent to 13 teaspoons
How much sugar should you have a day?
Adults – Should have no more than 30 grams of sugar- around 7 teaspoons
Children age 7-10 – no more than 24 grams of sugar- around 6 teaspoons
Children aged 4-6 – no more 19 grams of sugar-around 5 teaspoons
Dental care Hornchurch
It is recommended that you attend regular dental exams to detect any problems early and our dentist's in Hornchurch, Essex can advise you on how to improve and maintain your oral health with fillings (white fillings available), root canal treatments or extractions. Dental hygiene's in our Essex practice ensure your teeth get a deep clean and calculus is removed. We also treat gum disease which is also known as periodontal disease. We recommend a dental examination every 6 months unless it has been advised by your dentist to attend every 3 months.
To book a dental appointment, dental hygiene or for any information on any of our services, please give us a call on 01708 477 577 or email us at info@bhclinics.com
We look forward to seeing you at our clinic in Hornchurch, Essex.
