Sweet Enough? Sugar Awareness Week, World Diabetes Day and Our Teeth

November always feels like a month of contrasts. The lure of snuggling up with sweets or a hot chocolate on a cold, dark night sits alongside shop shelves groaning with seasonal treats like bonfire toffee, mince pies, gingerbread and selection boxes.

But it is also the month of two important campaigns: Sugar Awareness Week (17 to 23 November) and World Diabetes Day (14 November). Both raise awareness of how much sugar finds its way into our everyday diets and the impact this can have on our general health and on our teeth.

I see every day how sugar affects oral health, but as a mum (and only human myself), I know how hard it can be to avoid. With shelves and screens full of tempting treats and celebrity endorsements, making balanced choices is a real challenge.

Sugar and Teeth: A Sticky Relationship

When we eat or drink sugary foods, bacteria in the mouth convert that sugar into acid, which weakens the enamel that protects our teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities and decay.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their enamel is thinner and still developing. How often we consume sugar matters as much as how much we have. "Grazing" by frequently snacking or sipping on sweet drinks means teeth are under constant attack.

Spacing sugary foods to mealtimes, choosing water or milk between meals and maintaining good brushing habits all help protect enamel and keep smiles healthy.

Diabetes, Sugar and Oral Health

As World Diabetes Day reminds us, sugar affects more than just our teeth. An estimated 5.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with a further 1.3 million undiagnosed. This condition can bring a range of serious complications affecting the gums, skin, nerves, eyes, arteries and kidneys. So managing sugar intake is not only important for avoiding fillings, but for protecting overall health and wellbeing.

Don’t Grin and Bear It

If you have concerns, it is never too early to get checked out at your GP or community pharmacy. They can offer excellent advice on reducing risk through healthy eating and exercise. Regular dental health reviews are also vital for your oral comfort and confidence. Your teeth, tongue, mouth and gums often give early clues about your general health, helping us identify any underlying issues that may need further attention.

Small Changes, Big Differences

The good news is that small swaps can make a big difference:

• Swap fizzy drinks for water or milk

• Keep sugary treats to mealtimes rather than snacks

• Offer children cheese, breadsticks, fruit or vegetables instead of sweets

• Remember dried fruit and fruit juices contain concentrated sugar

• Read labels to spot hidden sugars in cereals, sauces, yoghurts, baked beans and bread

• Try natural alternatives to sugar. I love using coconut sugar for its delicious caramel flavour in homemade apple crumbles or oat cookies

• Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Visit your dentist every six months and if you have any concerns, just pop in for friendly advice

You can also find more advice on healthy habits and preventive care on our Crossbank Dental Care website.

A Healthy Balance

A world without cake would be a sad one, but making mindful choices benefits our health, our teeth and our families.

Talking of which, I am about to make a crumble from the delicious home-grown apples our front-of-house star Sue brought in to share.

Wishing you a healthy, happy smile this winter,

Bex Cooper, Director