Would you like sugar in your tea?

According to the latest statistics, it's a question that more than one in three of us (37%) say yes to.

Of course, the next logical step after saying yes to this question is "how much?" and unfortunately the numbers are pretty staggering. Our research shows that around a third of (32%) put a teaspoon or two of sugar in their tea and coffee. More worryingly, one in 20 add between three and four.

A spoonful of sugar in your coffee may not sound like much, but it all adds up at the end of the day. Each teaspoon is about 4 grams of sugar. That means it only takes four hot drinks with a teaspoon of sugar to exceed half the recommended daily limit (30g).

As someone who has always enjoyed sweets, I understand the temptation to reach for the sugar bowl. However, discovering the impact that sugar has on not only oral health, but overall health, really opened my eyes.

Sugar not only causes tooth decay. It is also linked to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. We are currently in an obesity crisis, and high sugar consumption is a factor in making it worse.

Cutting out sugar from tea and coffee is a great way to reduce your sugar intake. This will 'save' you up to 56 grams less sugar per week or 2,912 grams less per year. A significant reduction that can have an extremely positive effect on your quality of life.

If you really want to sweeten your cuppa, then natural sweeteners such as xylitol or stevia may be something to consider. They will give you that "sweet" taste without contributing to tooth decay. Remember though that black tea or coffee is always best.

As always, regular dental visits are vital to keeping your teeth in good condition. Your dentist is in the best position to tell you how your diet affects your oral health. A dentist can also offer advice on how to adjust your diet to make it more "tooth-friendly".

For more information about how your diet can affect your teeth, you can call a dental helpline at (+30) 2310436052 or visit us at our clinic 7 Alamanas, Kalamaria Thessaloniki