The Proof is Here: Cut Down on Sugar to Reduce Tooth Decay
Announcement posted by eDental Perth 22 Jun 2015
Preventative dentistry provider in Perth reveals what groundbreaking study means to dental patients.
Perth, WA, 22 June 2015 - Providers of preventative dentistry in Perth are becoming more and more common. The “old school” or “fill em and drill em” style of dentistry has been replaced by dentists and hygienists who educate their patients and help them prevent tooth decay. Those who take care of their teeth according to preventative dentistry guidelines can often make most of their teeth last a lifetime.
While most patients understand the importance of regular checkups and good oral hygiene, many turn a deaf ear when the dentist recommends that a patient eat less sugar. In Australia, as in most industrialised societies, sugar has made the transition from occasional treat to dietary staple.
Since 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been strong advocates to limiting sugar consumption to 10% of one’s daily caloric intake. In 2013, researchers at Newcastle University in the UK decided to see if the recommendation was valid.
Led by Dr Paula Moynihan, Professor of Nutrition and Oral Health at Newcastle University, they researched dental studies from 2013 back to 1950. They found 55 studies that had documented a relationship between tooth decay and sugar. They used a rating system called “Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).” This system takes a number of factors into consideration to amalgamate previous research.
After examining all of the data, Dr Moynihan concluded that the WHO dietary recommendation is not strict enough for current standards. Previous studies used to establish the 10% threshold based on a sugar intake level that would cause three or less teeth to decay by the time a subject was 12 years of age.
Dr Moynihan noted that our current societal expectations and standards are higher now. According to Dr Moynihan, we now expect to keep our teeth throughout our lives. An average of three decayed teeth every twelve years would not provide that outcome.
Consequently, Dr Moynihan concluded that 5% sugar intake would be a more reasonable and effective threshold to ensure lifelong protection against tooth decay.
Dr Lisa Khokhlova is a dentist who provides preventative dentistry among a full range of dental services in her Perth area office. According to Dr Khokhlova:
“This study is important because it proves that preventative dentistry is a superior model of care. The lowered sugar intake is also in agreement with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) point of view. We can help patients from our end, but it is also up to them to deliver on their end. We think the study is good news because it proves that patients do have control over tooth decay.”
Dr Khokhlova concluded: “It is important to start a program of preventative dentistry and good oral hygiene at as early an age as possible. Your teeth may last a lifetime if you do.”
eDental provides preventative dentistry and a full range of other dental services in Perth. They are open seven days a week and provide emergency dentistry when necessary. They are one of the few Perth dentists practising “green dentistry” and pride themselves on their commitment to finding caring solutions for their patients. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (08) 9361 1728 or visit their website: http://www.edentalperth.net.au/.
While most patients understand the importance of regular checkups and good oral hygiene, many turn a deaf ear when the dentist recommends that a patient eat less sugar. In Australia, as in most industrialised societies, sugar has made the transition from occasional treat to dietary staple.
Since 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been strong advocates to limiting sugar consumption to 10% of one’s daily caloric intake. In 2013, researchers at Newcastle University in the UK decided to see if the recommendation was valid.
Led by Dr Paula Moynihan, Professor of Nutrition and Oral Health at Newcastle University, they researched dental studies from 2013 back to 1950. They found 55 studies that had documented a relationship between tooth decay and sugar. They used a rating system called “Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).” This system takes a number of factors into consideration to amalgamate previous research.
After examining all of the data, Dr Moynihan concluded that the WHO dietary recommendation is not strict enough for current standards. Previous studies used to establish the 10% threshold based on a sugar intake level that would cause three or less teeth to decay by the time a subject was 12 years of age.
Dr Moynihan noted that our current societal expectations and standards are higher now. According to Dr Moynihan, we now expect to keep our teeth throughout our lives. An average of three decayed teeth every twelve years would not provide that outcome.
Consequently, Dr Moynihan concluded that 5% sugar intake would be a more reasonable and effective threshold to ensure lifelong protection against tooth decay.
Dr Lisa Khokhlova is a dentist who provides preventative dentistry among a full range of dental services in her Perth area office. According to Dr Khokhlova:
“This study is important because it proves that preventative dentistry is a superior model of care. The lowered sugar intake is also in agreement with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) point of view. We can help patients from our end, but it is also up to them to deliver on their end. We think the study is good news because it proves that patients do have control over tooth decay.”
Dr Khokhlova concluded: “It is important to start a program of preventative dentistry and good oral hygiene at as early an age as possible. Your teeth may last a lifetime if you do.”
eDental provides preventative dentistry and a full range of other dental services in Perth. They are open seven days a week and provide emergency dentistry when necessary. They are one of the few Perth dentists practising “green dentistry” and pride themselves on their commitment to finding caring solutions for their patients. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (08) 9361 1728 or visit their website: http://www.edentalperth.net.au/.