Dietary Advice

Clinical trials have shown that there is a clear link between an increase in tooth decay and an increase in certain sugars in the diet.

What type of sugar causes tooth decay?

The sugars that are most damaging to your teeth are refined sugars that are added to food and drinks during the manufacturing process. These include:

• Dextrose
• Maltose
• Glucose
• Sucrose
• Fructose

Are ‘low sugar' products safe?

When sugar comes into contact with your teeth, plaque pH falls to levels that can cause tooth decay within 2 minutes. And it can take up to two hours for your mouth to return to normal. So it's not just the amount of sugar you consume that can damage your teeth. If you consume low sugar products throughout the day the effect can be just as damaging.

Are artificial sweeteners safe?

Many products are marked ‘sugar free', or ‘kind to teeth'. These products usually contain sweeteners that do not cause tooth decay. These include:

• Lactitol
• Xylitol
• Sorbitol
• Aspartame
• Saccharin

Is ‘sugar free' chewing gum good for my teeth?

Sugar-free chewing gum can help to prevent tooth decay by increasing saliva production - which helps to neutralise plaque acid.

There is, also, some evidence to suggest that Xylitol (a sweetener often added to sugar-free gum) can help to reduce tooth decay - but it can have laxative effects if it is consumed in large quantities.

What can I do?

To help reduce the damaging effects that sugar can have on your teeth, try following these steps:

• Stick to unprocessed, unrefined, natural foods wherever possible
• Check the ingredients of food, drinks and medicines carefully – sugar can be added to sweet and savoury products
• Ask for sugar-free alternatives wherever possible
• Consume sugary food and drinks less often and less frequently
• Avoid eating between meals
• Brush your teeth after eating
• Visit your dentist regularly