http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/a-spoonful-of-sugar-is-not-so-bad/story-e6frg8y6-1226090126776
Despite being reassured that a spoonful of sugar is not too bad and that there is no evidence that sugar actually causes a problem it might be worth remembering some of the effects of sugar consumption.
Worth noting that the average Australian has 27 teaspoons of sugar a day (1 Teaspoon = 4g sugar)
Apart from the obvious effect on teeth, sugar can also
• suppress the immune system
• upset the body’s mineral balance
• contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression
• cause concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
• produce a significant rise in trigycerides
• cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
• reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
• promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
• cause hypoglycemia.
• contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection
• cause kidney damage
• increase the risk of coronary heart disease
• lead to chromium deficiency
• cause copper deficiency
• interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium
• increase bacterial fermentation in the colon
• cause headaches, including migraines
• cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind’s ability to think clearly
• increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots and strokes
• increase insulin response in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets
• contribute to weight gain and obesity
• increasesthe risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• contribute to diabetes
• contribute to osteoporosis
• cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity
• lead to decreased glucose tolerance
• cause tooth decay
The links between oral health and general health are many and varied.
The oral cavity is the gateway to the digestive and respiratory tract, its form and function integral to their optimal function.
The oral cavity has a dramatic impact on the neurological system. A third of the sensory and motor cortex is focused in the orofacial region, together with its impact on autonomic nervous system. Bacterial infections, structural imbalances in the form of malocclusion and toxicity of restorative materials all have the potential to impact on the normal functioning of this system.
The oral cavity is the site of two common infections, tooth decay and gum disease. As a result chronic inflammation is common, affecting many systems and predisposing patients to increase risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, low birth weight in childbirth, and some cancers.
Dentists implant more material in patients, in the form of restorations, than all other professions put together. The choice of those restorative materials and the possibility of toxicity pose many challenges.
There are three things we do everyday, that we give little thought to, but if we do them well the potential for good health is dramatically increased. Those three things are sleeping, breathing and eating. The oral cavity plays a key role in achieving those goals.
Here is a model of health that recognises the influence of stress on our lives.
In order to plan an approach to understanding and treating health issues we need to define the stresses that impact on our health. Every cell in our bodies, from the time we are conceived to death strives to maintain a healthy balance, called HOMEOSTASIS.
We recognise the stresses that affects that balance and therefore our health.
We define stress as a combination of:
- Emotional stress – the pressures of everyday life
- Environmental stress – things we are exposed to which can compromise our health
- Structural stress – work, exercise and sleep positions
- Nutritional stress – what we eat and drink helps build, maintain and repair our body
- Oral stress – there are three aspects to consider
- Biomechanical – the way the teeth fit together affects muscles in the back of the neck and may contribute to headaches and neckaches.
- Infections – in the gums, teeth and jawbone have been shown to affect cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes and many other conditions.
- Materials – we ensure that the materials we use in your mouth are strong enough, look good, will last and are biocompatible.
