The Practicon Viewpoint by Ann Page Griffin

GLOBAL EPIDEMIC OF DENTAL CARIES

Since the 1960s, worldwide sugar consumption has tripled, and experts predict an even greater increase in the next generation, particularly in emerging economies. Health care providers are well aware that sugar is consistently named among the leading risk factors causing higher rates of dental caries, obesity, and diabetes. In an effort to educate the general public, alert consumers, and combat this public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDI World Dental Federation have cooperated since 2015. Both organizations emphasize and publicize the WHO guideline that recommends a daily intake of free sugars be limited to less than 10% of total energy intake for children and adults, that is, less than 50g (12 teaspoons) daily. Free sugars are all sugars added to foods by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers as well as sugar found naturally in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.

If you and your staff would like to enhance the awareness of patients and others in your community about the relationship between nutrition and oral health, consider sharing the following facts with them. Besides a significant reduction in dental caries, the most prevalent non-communicable disease in the world, a diet lower in free sugars can reduce obesity and related diseases.

FACTS ABOUT SUGARS AND DENTAL CARIES

• Dental decay is preventable, yet it is the most widespread non-communicable disease among adults and the most common childhood disease globally.
• In the U.S., an estimated 16 million children have untreated dental caries with the resultant pain and complications listed as the main reason for school absenteeism.
• Treatment of dental decay consumes 5%-10% of healthcare budgets in industrialized countries.
• Sugar is a common risk factor in dental decay, and it negatively affects many other non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, and diabetes.
• Currently, 33 states in the U.S. have imposed taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages with the average tax rate being 5.2%.
• Consuming free sugars more than four times daily significantly increases the risk of dental caries.
• One 12 ounce can of sugar-sweetened beverage contains an average of 8.3 teaspoons of sugar.
• Consumption of one can of sweetened beverage per day can cause an average 2 pounds per year weight gain.
• People in 65 countries worldwide consume more than 100g of free sugars per person per day, over twice the recommended amount.
• Both frequency and quantity of sugar consumption affect the worldwide dental caries epidemic.

Around the globe, individual dental practices, clinics, dental schools, and a variety of dental organizations have an excellent opportunity to educate patients and the general public about the dangers of the dental caries epidemic. One excellent reference published by the FDI World Dental Federation is entitled Sugars and Dental Caries, A practical guide to reduce sugars consumption and curb the epidemic of dental caries. For more information, contact info@fdiworlddental.org or see the WHO guidelines on sugar intake for adults and children.