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Sugars are used by the industry to enhance the attractiveness of foods and drinks. These added sugars, or ‘free sugars’, are not easily identified in food or drink labels. Certain manufactured foods and drinks with ‘safe’ names, such as dried fruit and fruit juice, still contain free sugars and can be confusing. Guidance states that daily consumption of free sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake (no more than 5% in the UK). However, it is found that both tooth decay and obesity are associated with consumption of free sugars in large quantities and at inappropriate times.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: When giving dietary advice to dental patients, it should be emphasized that free sugars hidden in certain foods and drinks are directly linked to tooth decay and obesity.
Article
In the UK, about 25% of the adult population is obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 31% of dentate adults have obvious tooth decay.1 Excess and frequent sugar consumption is linked to these poor health outcomes with the most deprived groups being disproportionately affected.2,3 Yet, public health messages about what foods and drinks are ‘safe’ for teeth and health still causes some confusion among professionals and the public alike. This paper attempts to unravel and clarify the key take-home messages about sugar.
Sugars are types of soluble carbohydrates that provide energy in our diet. Compared to other types of carbohydrates, they are quickly absorbed into our body and are less filling. They can be used to enhance the flavour of food and drink which makes them an attractive option for both consumers and the food and drink industry.
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