Waging War on Sugar
Pictured: Dr. Pfister caught in the act of enjoying a sugary treat
February was National Give-Kids-a-Smile Month. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the closer-to-home Ohio Dental Association (ODA) traditionally had significant programs that, before the pandemic, went into hundreds of third and fourth grade classes with various presentations and surveys on proper health, brushing techniques, etc.
By the end of March, the data from these presentations and surveys is typically presented and tabulated. Last year, there were no programs due to the pandemic. But this year - thanks to the ingenuity of the ADA, ODA, and computers - Zoom programs and virtual presentations reinstated the educational drive to reduce tooth decay in our children.
This month, Wallethub, which measured 6 oral health condition indicators throughout the U.S., released their findings on dental health…
These findings ranked Ohio #11 out of 50 states (in other words, 11th best in dental health).
Ohio showed outstanding reduction in areas such as percentage of children with untreated cavities and children with actual tooth loss.
The state also showed increases in areas such as percentage of children who had visited the dentist in the last year and children with one or more sealants.
We, as a state, are doing very well in the fight against tooth decay, but it still boils down to our need to stop feeding the single bacteria in our mouth that cause tooth decay.
As the ADA spokesperson, Dr. Mary Hayes, tells all of her audiences, “Sugar is fun to eat, but never good for your teeth or body as well.” The message that Dr. Hayes tries to convey is that limiting the amount of sugar your entire family consumes is not just good for your dental health, but is key to promoting good overall health.
Wow, does this sound like the Pillars of Health for life extension and augmentation that I have written about several times?!
Of course it does, because it all comes back to that saying that we don’t like to hear, “We are what we eat.”
Dr. Hayes has produced a six-part program to help us be more aware of the sugar that we consume and how to reduce the amount we consume and still enjoy life!
Know the limits…
When choosing a snack, keep an eye on the added sugars. Sweeteners like corn syrup are a hidden source of sugar. U.S. Food and Drug feels children over the age of three should have no more than 12.5 tsp. of sugar a day. Converting grams of sugar on the package to tsp. is a 4:1 ratio (grams to tsp.). So our children’s diet (and ours as well) should have daily sugar consumption in the range of 12 to 50 grams a day.
The truth about juice…
We all know juice is high in sugar and calories. Heck, that is why it tastes so darn good. But Dr. Hayes would like to stress that water and milk are always a better choice, especially before bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no juice for those little ones under one year of age. Children ages 1 to 6 should have 4-6 oz. and those 7 to 18 years-old should have no more than 8-12 oz.
Most juice boxes today fall in the six-ounce category. A quick rule of thumb is no more than one-two boxes per day… based on age. Interestingly, how and when you consume juice is also extremely important. All juices should be consumed at meals and never before bed! Sipping one box all day long is also a no-no, as it keeps a steady supply of sugar available for the bacteria to feast on.
Skip the soda…
Dr. Hayes points out that research shows one can of soda or pop is equivalent to three days of the recommended sugar intake for a child under five. The acidity in soda also sets up the perfect environment to weaken enamel’s calcium bonds, giving the sugar a double punch at creating cavities. The ADA has found a direct correlation between sugary drinks and poor dental and systemic health.
Personally, I recommend watching the sugar content in your energy drinks, as well as your protein shakes. Let’s face it - protein, unless it’s in meat form, is tough to drink… that taste!
Be picky about sticky foods…
If advertisers have duped you into believing gummy or sticky fruit snacks are a healthy alternative - think again! According to the ADA spokesperson and researcher, Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, fruit rollups and dried fruits termed “nature’s candy” are worse than chocolate and other candies combined. This is due to their inherent stickiness that adheres them to teeth and resists rinsing off. I have even heard for years (and Dr. Shenkin’s research also states this) that raisins are one of the worst snacks we can give ourselves or our children! Again, due in part to their adhering to teeth for a long period of time and holding the sugar next to the enamel, thereby continually feeding the bacteria.
Serve carbs with care…
Whether it’s their shape or crunch, kids love crackers and chips. But be careful, especially before bed - carbs break down into sugar and lay in dental recesses. That is another reason brushing well before bed is so important.
Set an example…
Dr. Shenkin feels that as parents, if we eat well, there is a better than average bet our children will do likewise. Setting a good example of not smoking, getting proper exercise, brushing twice a day for two minutes, and daily flossing will all go a long way for life extension and enhancement!
As I have reiterated so often, the importance of the Four Pillars of Health (sleep, exercise, hydration, and nutrition) can never be underestimated.
Each pillar, in its own way, is intimately interwoven into the fabric of the human body, enabling us to complete this awesome journey called life.
The entrance to our body and the beginning of our digestive system is our mouth. If we don’t protect the entrance, the rest of the structure is in jeopardy.
Set an example for those around you… but do enjoy a good dessert from time to time. Just be sure to brush and rinse!
Dr. Pfister