High sugar snacks are making an appearance in our diet three times a day or more according to a new survey by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF).
Health on Female First
More than 5 million of us are succumbing to the sweet temptation and this could be just the top of the iceberg.
The research conducted in partnership with Listerine reveals that many of us are unaware that everyday foods, such as baked beans, dried fruits and even fresh fruit can actually be bad for our teeth, due to high sugar content.
Nutritionist Amanda Hamilton says: “Most adults and children in the UK eat too much sugar, whether it’s in snacks or fizzy drinks. And while many of us are aware that sweet treats can be enjoyed in moderation, it is worth noting that sugar can lurk in some of our much-loved staples.”
Sugar content in our cupboard staples
Tomato ketchup (15ml serving) 1 teaspoon of sugar
Tin of baked beans (415g) 2 teaspoons of sugar
Cornflakes with milk (30g serving with 125ml milk) 2 teaspoons of sugar
Tomato soup (300g serving) 4 teaspoons of sugar
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the BDHF, says: “When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you’re not only feeding yourself, you’re feeding the plaque that can cause havoc in your mouth.
“Plaque is a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria and other minerals that covers all surfaces of all your teeth. When sugars in your mouth come into contact with plaque, the acids that result can attack teeth for 20 minutes of more after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel of the surface of teeth, leading to decay.
“To battle tooth decay, it is important to maintain a simple oral health routine including: brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste; cutting down on sugary foods and drinks; visiting the dentist as often as they recommend; and flossing and using mouthwash to help get rid of bits of food and bacteria.”
Tagged in Teeth Dental Health