Dr. Frankel often states, “A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.” If only the sugar lobbyists would have listened to him 50 years ago.
Jon Frankel, DDS
Early this month researchers from the University of California, San Francisco uncovered documents from the 1960’s that describe how the sugar-industry successfully persuaded government health authorities from completing studies that might categorize food by their cavity promoting characteristics, which might have lead to people consuming less sugar.
In the 1960’s the National Institute of Dental Research declared that it was going to accelerate its research efforts to find a way to end cavity formation by: 1.) Stopping sugar-related, cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to and damaging teeth, 2.) Determining the most effective way of including fluoride in the fight against cavities, 3.) Figuring out a way to get people to modify their diet to reduce cavities.
Today changing our diets is a hot topic mainly because of high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease all of which is related to our sugar consumption. However, in the 1960’s these problems were not yet of national concern. Fast forward 50 years and the American society consumes nearly 25% more sugar and tooth decay is an epidemic that affects billions of people world wide.
So, now the question arises, how do we eliminate sugar from our diet?
Here are 6 quick tips brought to you by Dr. Frankel.
1.) Sugar has aliases- get to know them! Some of the most felons include: high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose, Lactose, molasses. Also know the names of common artificial sweeteners: splenda and aspartame. For a full list of common names, click here: http://clinton.k12.wi.us/documents/sugar_names.pdf
2.) Once you know the names, look for them on the back of your labels. If one of those labels has a sugar listed toward the top, you know it is one of the main ingredients. PUT IT DOWN!
3.) But don’t give up sugar cold turkey. This is very difficult. Instead slowly eliminate your consumption of sugar, which will lead to more lasting results.
4.) Substitute your sugar with natural flavors. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or citrus zest.
5.) Eliminate all sugary sodas and juices.
6.) Stick with it! Consistency is key to lasting results both in the dental chair and for your overall health.
