What Effect Does Giving Up Sugar Have on Our Brain and Oral Health?

Everyone is aware of the link between sugary food and drink and poor dental health. Most of us know that our oral health could improve by cutting down on our sugar intake. Yet it isn’t simple to cut out sugar, and those who do so face potential withdrawal-like symptoms.

Consumption of sugary food and drink is one of the main causes of tooth decay and poor oral health. It is also linked to rising obesity levels. Cutting down on sugar can be highly beneficial to oral health. However, research shows that giving up sugar isn’t an easy achievement.

The effect of sugar on dental health

Sugar is very bad for our teeth. Once consumed, it combines with bacteria to create acid, which then gradually dissolves enamel, eventually creating cavities that need to be filled.

The link between sugar and poor dental health is clear. Studies show a direct link between the level of sugar consumed and the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth [1].

Moreover, sugar doesn’t just negatively affect adult teeth. Statistics show that tooth decay is the leading cause for hospitalisation for 5-9 year olds in the United Kingdom [2]. This summarises the impact sugar can have even on deciduous teeth.

Surprisingly, sugar intake has actually decreased over the past decade in western nations [3], presumably due to the recent emphasis on healthy diets like keto and veganism.

However sugary foods and drink are everywhere. Many people do not realise that some everyday foods like cereal and yoghurts can be high in sugar. Even products marked as “diet” or “no added sugar” can be bad for our teeth and weight [4].

Furthermore, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia can still be harmful. Just because they are low-calorie, it doesn’t mean they have no impact on teeth.

What happens when we quit sugar

Quitting sugar, whether this is done gradually or by going cold turkey, can result in psychological and physical effects.

There has been a lot of research on whether or not we can become “addicted” to sugar. However, results remain inconclusive [5].

This is particularly the case with sugar-sweetened beverages, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi [6]. These drinks typically include caffeine and sugar, with caffeine known to cause withdrawal symptoms [7].

Quitting sugar can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue and even mood changes. Psychological symptoms include cravings, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression and anxiety [8].

Sugar affects the brain’s reward system. Consumption of sugar results in the desire to consume more sugar, as it produces the brain’s feel-good chemical dopamine.

Cutting down on sugar

As part of eating a balanced and nutritious diet, we should attempt to only consume a small amount of sugary foods and drink.

When we do consume something sugary, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth with water soon after, as this can help to stabilise acid levels in the mouth.

Cutting down gradually is a better idea than adopting a “cold turkey” approach of radically changing diet. This is because the unpleasant symptoms outlined above may be onset by a sudden change.

Trying to find substitutes for sweet food and drink is a good method for cutting out sugar. For instance, swapping fizzy drinks for water of flavoured water. Having a dessert every other day instead of each day is another measure.

Eating filling yet nutritious food should also aid against cravings. Foods like vegetables, eggs or nuts can help. Some people find that using a fasting diet, such as intermittent fasting can help.

Many people find that chewing sugarfree gum is a good way of easing temptations. Sugarfree gum does have dental benefits, as it can help to regulate the pH levels of saliva in the mouth [9].

Ultimately, like with any attempt at change in life, consistency is key. Coping with the first few weeks will be difficult, but the health benefits will make this worthwhile. You can expect to see a strong improvement in the long-term.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a wide range of services and treatments. We ensure that our patients receive a comfortable and caring experience when visiting us.

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer services like regular check-ups, cavity fillings, dentures, root canals, and some cosmetic services such as tooth whitening.

It is vital for any dental problems to be addressed early. They can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem worsening over time.

If further treatment is required after a check-up, we provide our patients with a clear treatment plan.

Our Calgary based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

The best way to avoid needing extra treatment is to have excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink, and not smoking also helps.

If you need dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing how your diet effects your oral health, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Summary

It is important to state that when consumed in moderation, sugar is okay. While it is a good idea to cut down on sugar, there is no reason for it to be entirely withdrawn from your diet. But consuming less sugar can be excellent for our oral health.

We hope you visit our Calgary-based dental clinic soon! You can find out more about us at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, and see why our patients love us. We hope to see you soon!

• [1] Battellino, L. J., Corneho, L. S., Dorronsoro de Cattoni, S. T., Luna Maldonado de Yankilevich, E. R., Calamari, S. E., & Aczura, A. (1997). Oral health status evaluation of pre-school children: longitudinal epidemiologic study. (1993–1994). Revista de Saúde Pública. 31(1), p272-281.
• [2]. Templeton, S. K. (2014). Rotten teeth put 26,000 children in hospital. Available: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Health/Sugar/article1433860.ece?shareToken=6923b16557f4b254af8fa420378b6fc2. Last accessed: 22nd August 2021.
• [3] Tedstone, A. (2020). New data reveals how our diets are changing over time. Available: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/12/21/new-data-reveals-how-our-diets-are-changing-over-time/. Last accessed: 21 August 2021.
• [4] Te Morenga. (2013). Dietary sugars and body weight: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies. British Medical Journal. 346:e7492.
• [5] Westwater, M. L., Fletcher, P. C., Ziauddeen, H. (2016). Sugar addiction: the state of the science. 55(1), p55-69.
• [6] Falbe, J., Thompson, H. R., Patel, A., & Madsen, K. A. (2019). Potentially addictive properties of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents. Appetite. 133(1), p130-137.
• [7] Jain, S., Srivastava, S. A., Verma, R. P., & Maggu, G. (2019). Caffeine addiction: Need for awareness and research and regulatory measures. Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 41(1), p73-75.
• [8] Knuppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientifix Reports. 7, 6287.
• [9] Newton, J. T., Awojobi, O., Nasseripour, M., Warburton, F., Di Giorgio, S., Gallagher, J. E., & Banerjee, A. (2019). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum in Dental Caries. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. 5(3), p214-223.