Secret Sugar Content That’s Harming Your Teeth

While a little sugar is necessary for healthy brain function, that sad fact is that most of us are getting way too much. Sugar makes food taste better, so it’s a common additive in many packaged products. Because its presence isn’t always noticeable, you end up consuming far more sugar than you realize. This is bad for both your teeth and your whole body.

Read up on common hidden sugar sources to help keep your family’s smiles cavity-free. Since some foods and drinks that seem healthy can be laden with the sweet stuff, consumer awareness is key. If you ever have questions about what’s right for your family, just get in touch for some tooth-healthy tips.

 Top Hidden Sugar Culprits

• Smoothies and fruit juice – Fruit contains fiber, which helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. When you juice or blend whole fruit, that fiber is broken down, and the sugar hits you all at once. There also tends to be a high acidity to fruity drinks, which is extra-dangerous for tooth enamel and creates a decay-friendly environment.
• Flavored yogurt – Yogurt is good for you, right? Well, plain yogurt is. Fruit-flavored yogurt can have as much as 19 g of sugar per serving, which is way more than you need from your breakfast.
• Fast food – Takeout and fast food have added sugars in nearly every component. Instead of grabbing food out for lunch, take the time to pack your own lunch the night before.
• Pasta with red sauce – Both pasta and marinara sauce contain added sugars, and consuming them together leads to a blood sugar spike.
• Dried fruit – The process of drying fruit concentrates the sugars and reduces other nutrient levels. Plus, that sticky dried fruit can become lodged against your teeth and trigger decay.
• Granola bars – Like dried fruit, granola bars seem like a healthier alternative to candy or other obviously unhealthy snacks. But they’re extremely high in sugar, and can also stick to teeth.
• Energy drinks – If you need an afternoon caffeine boost, black coffee is your best bet. Energy drinks are filled with sugar, highly acidic, and just generally terrible for your teeth.

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