According to the American Heart Association, women and children should limit their sugar to 25 grams (or 6 teaspoons) a day. Men should have no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day. If you’re like most American adults, you probably average about 77 grams per day without even realizing it!
How is that possible? Well, sugars are hidden in many everyday foods like ketchup, pasta sauce, peanut butter, soup, and yogurt. To spot hidden sugars on your foods, check the food labels for these names:
- Rice syrup
- High fructose corn syrup
- Agave nectar
- Fruit juice concentrate
- Evaporated can juice
- Anything with the suffix “-ose”
All of these are codenames for sugar. Most of these are found in processed foods. Try your best to stick to whole foods to avoid unwanted sugar in your diet!
Here’s what happens to the mouth and body when too much sugar is consumed:
Oral Health
We all know that sugar leads to cavities, but how does that happen? Our Lombard dentist explains that here:
Our mouths are full of billions and billions of bacteria—some good and some not so good. When we practice good oral hygiene (like brushing and flossing), eat properly, and attend regular dental cleanings, the bad bacteria are kept at bay and the good bacteria rule over the mouth. This means healthy teeth, healthy gums, and good breath!
However, when we neglect our mouths by not brushing and flossing properly, and by eating too much sugar, the bad bacteria begin to multiply. This is because they feed off of sugar! Once the bad bacteria take over, it’s difficult for the good bacteria to overtake them. The bad bacteria will turn the sugar into acid that eats away at the enamel on our teeth and can cause gum disease.
The best way to take back your oral health is to visit the dentist for a regular dental cleaning.
Overall Health
When a person consistently consumes more than their prescribed amount of sugar, there may be serious consequences. Oral health problems almost always lead to overall health problems when left untreated. Aside from those, consuming too much sugar can cause the following health issues:
- Obesity
- Acne
- Diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Early signs of aging
- Cancer
For children, symptoms of too much sugar look different. He or she may have a hard time focusing in class because of brain fog. Children who consume large amounts of sugar may also have a weakened immune system, lack energy, and be malnourished.
If your diet is causing you or a loved one to experience any of these overall health issues, or if you’re simply ready to live a healthier life, contact your general practitioner today.
For a Healthier Smile, Visit Our Lombard Dentist
As dental professionals, we’re passionate about helping people achieve optimal oral health because we understand the impact it has on overall health and wellness. Six-month dental cleanings are imperative for keeping your mouth healthy and beautiful. It’s during these appointments that dentists can spot and treat cavities and gum disease in their earliest stages.
Don’t let sugar and bad bacteria harm your beautiful smile! Contact our Lombard dentist today at (630) 629-5700 to schedule an appointment.
