What sugar does to your teeth. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

The World health organization described dental diseases as the most prevalent globally. More than 90% of Australian adults have experienced tooth decay and close to 60% of 14-year-olds have decay in their permanent teeth. The World health organization has embarked on a process to establish the recommendations of sugar intake for adults and children .

Many people don’t realise that the adverse impact of sugar intake is just as bad for teeth as it is for the increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Toothy decay results from the acid produced when sugar and oral bacteria combine. The acid produced melts the tooth and creates cavities that provide a protected environment for the next generation of bacteria that continue to expand the cavity. To reduce the risk of decay fluoride has been introduced in the water, tooth paste and many other products. But even though fluoride is readily available, tooth decay is a major health concern. Left untreated the cavities allow the bacteria access to the tooth pulp and the bone.

The risk of tooth decay is reduced when the level of sugar intake is less then 10 percent of the caloric intake.