Becoming Sugar Savvy Part 1: Caffeine Considerations
Being healthy is something that most of us aim for. We brush our teeth twice a day. We go for a jog around the neighbourhood. We eat a handful of nuts instead of chomping on a chocolate. We see our doctor whenever we don’t feel well. But are you aware that all your good work could be being undone by sugars lurking in the depths of many of the processed food items you might consume? Aussie dental health is paying the price for these sneaky sugars that can lead to dental disease, as indicated by Australia’s Oral Health Tracker (ada.org.au/oralhealthtracker).
Sugar is everywhere in supermarket staples, even some that might appear to be healthy on the surface, and so this Dental Health Week (3 - 9 August), and for the month of August we focused on sugar, some places it may be hidden and how this information can help you be healthier all over but especially in your mouth.In other words, we want you to become more “sugar savvy”. Did you know that the World Health Organisation recommends we have a maximum of 6 teaspoons of sugar each day, but the average Aussie has 14!
So we are giving you 5 quick tips that will help you reduce your sugar intake from 14 to 6. We’ll be cutting 8 teaspoons of sugar from your daily intake just by making some smart switches.
Smart Sugar Switch 1: Caffeine Considerations
Do you wake up and jump straight into your first tea or coffee for the day? Not all morning drinks were created equal when it comes to sugar contents! Some of the commercially available ones are a huge source of sneaky sugars.
For example:
- Dunkin Donuts Frozen French Vanilla Swirl Coffee = 70g sugar (about 16 teaspoons… that’s almost 3 days worth of sugar before breakfast!)
- McDonald’s Mocha: 42g sugar = about 10 teaspoons of sugar
- Muffin Break Chai Latte: 42g sugar = about 10 teaspoons of sugar
Make the switch!
For example, a DIY Rainbow Chai made locally… For instructions on a superb Chai, visit: https://chai.com.au/make-chai/ You control the sugar amount exactly and may not need any at all! If you need some flavour with your coffee and like your mocha, try adding unsweetened Cocoa powder. A single serve (about 80g) has just 2g of sugar in it (Only 1/2 of a teaspoon!)
Dental bonus tip:
Don’t forget to brush after your coffee or tea. We don’t want any of that sugar or those staining molecules sticking around longer than necessary!
If you are concerned about the impact sugar consumption has on your teeth or would like to book a consultation with Dr. Kate Amos or Dr. Sam Rosehill call 6652 3185 or book online.
