FREQUENCY OF SUGAR CONSUMPTION
The dental profession has been aware for over half a century that the frequency of sugar intake is far more significant in the development of caries than the amount consumed at any given time (see Chapter 5). Sugary foods are best taken during mealtimes, when salivary flow is good, while bedtime is a particularly bad time to consume sugar as the salivary flow rate slows during sleep.
Patients will often ask and be surprised by amounts of sugar in different foods and drinks. It is therefore helpful to be able to give an information sheet, setting out these amounts. When producing an exhibition or display, points about reducing sugar consumption can be emphasised by setting out a table of common snacks and putting sugar lumps or small bowls of sugar beside each to show the amount in each snacks or drink (see Chapter 17).