Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why are carbohydrates the only food group directly associated with causing caries?
Why are carbohydrates the only food group directly associated with causing caries?
- They contain essential vitamins not found in other food groups.
- They are the easiest for the body to digest and absorb.
- They are the only group that can be turned into acid by bacteria. (correct)
- They are more readily available and cheaper than proteins or fats.
Which characteristic of sugars makes them a significant contributor to energy intake?
Which characteristic of sugars makes them a significant contributor to energy intake?
- Their complex molecular structure.
- Their solubility and easy absorption into the body. (correct)
- Their ability to produce a prolonged feeling of fullness.
- They require a longer digestion period compared to proteins.
Why are sugars included in some processed food where one might not expect them?
Why are sugars included in some processed food where one might not expect them?
- To increase the fiber content of the food.
- To enhance the flavor of the food product. (correct)
- To improve the nutritional value of the food.
- To act as a preservative and prolong shelf life.
What is the primary health benefit, besides reducing dental caries, of limiting sugar intake?
What is the primary health benefit, besides reducing dental caries, of limiting sugar intake?
How are 'free sugars' best described?
How are 'free sugars' best described?
Which category of sugars includes those released from fruit during juicing?
Which category of sugars includes those released from fruit during juicing?
Why are sucrose and glucose particularly damaging to dental health?
Why are sucrose and glucose particularly damaging to dental health?
Which of the following is an example of a 'milk extrinsic sugar'?
Which of the following is an example of a 'milk extrinsic sugar'?
In what way might some medications pose a risk to dental health regarding sugar content?
In what way might some medications pose a risk to dental health regarding sugar content?
How do intrinsic sugars differ from extrinsic sugars in terms of food composition?
How do intrinsic sugars differ from extrinsic sugars in terms of food composition?
Flashcards
Sugars in Diet
Sugars in Diet
Sugars are soluble carbohydrates that provide energy and enhance food flavor and are linked to dental caries and obesity.
Intrinsic Sugars
Intrinsic Sugars
Sugars naturally present inside the cell structure of fruits and vegetables.
Extrinsic Sugars
Extrinsic Sugars
Sugars added during manufacturing or cooking, including honey and lactose.
Damaging Free Sugars
Damaging Free Sugars
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Added Free Sugars (Production)
Added Free Sugars (Production)
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Added Free Sugars (Consumer)
Added Free Sugars (Consumer)
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Released Free Sugars
Released Free Sugars
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Cariogenic Foods
Cariogenic Foods
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Harmless Natural Sugars
Harmless Natural Sugars
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Study Notes
Sugars
- All types of food are classified into three distinct groups: protein, fat, and carbohydrate
- Protein includes: meats, fish, dairy products, and pulses
- Fat includes: animal fats and vegetable oils
- Carbohydrates include: natural sugars, starches, dietary fibre from fruit and vegetables, and artificial sugars from processed foods
- Only carbohydrates can be turned into acid by bacteria, causing caries, hence they are called cariogenic foods
- Sugars are the most important carbohydrates related to dental caries as they are soluble and provide energy
- Being soluble, sugars are easily absorbed and don't give a 'full' feeling, unlike 'stodgy' carbohydrates like potatoes
- Sugars enhance the flavor of food and drinks, often found as "hidden sugars" in unexpected products.
- Limiting sugar intake has twofold health benefits for patients and dental staff, as it reduces dental caries incidence and risk of obesity
Types of Sugars
- Intrinsic sugars: occur naturally within the cell structure of foods like whole fruit and vegetables
- Extrinsic sugars: added to foods during manufacturing or cooking as free sugars, but can occur naturally in honey and lactose
- Extrinsic sugars are important and can be subdivided into milk sugars (lactose) and free sugars (similar to non-milk extrinsic sugars)
- Free sugars come from several sources:
- Addition during food and drink production (refined sugars, honey, ‘hidden’ sugars)
- Addition by the patient before consumption (refined sugars in drinks, breakfast cereals, during home cooking and honey)
- Release during preparation due to the destruction of a natural fruit cell structure (fruit juices, smoothies, concentrates, syrups)
- Refined sugars sucrose and glucose (dextrose) are the most damaging free sugars, bacteria can instantaneously turn into acid and cause dental caries
- Available types of such sugars are table sugar, sugar for cooking, and sugar added to other foods
- Medicines may have hidden sugars, causing caries in chronically sick children
- Naturally occurring sugars, that produce little organic acid are harmless to teeth
Harmless Sugars
- Intrinsic sugars: found naturally in foods like fructose in whole raw fruits
- Milk extrinsic sugars: especially lactose
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