Take part in the Sugar Swap Challenge

17-05-2020

The Sugar Swap Challenge

When consumed too often and in large quantities, sugar can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

It can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

It is also responsible for tooth decay – the most common diseases in the world.

For National Smile Month we are challenging you to cut your added sugar intake, in a bid to achieve better oral health and general wellbeing.

How much sugar is good for you?

Added sugars and sugars found naturally in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and purées, should not make up more than 5% of your daily calorie intake.

This means:

• Adults should have no more than 30g of sugar a day (7 teaspoons).

• Children aged 7-to-10 should have no more than 24g of sugar a day (6 teaspoons).

• Children aged 4-to-6 should have no more than 19g of sugar a day (5 teaspoons).

There’s no guideline limit for children under the age of 4, but it’s recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and food with sugar added to it.

For a healthier smile and to reduce how much sugar is in your diet, look at information on nutrition labels and ingredients lists on food and drink packaging.

How to get involved

• For a whole month during National Smile Month, swap sugary foods and drinks for healthier alternatives.

• Use our guides below to work out how much sugar you are cutting out of your diet.

• Calculate how many grams (or teaspoons) of sugar you have saved over the month.

• Share your results on social media using #SugarSwap and #SmileMonth.

• Encourage your family and friends to do their own sugar swaps and post their results too.

Please visit www.nationalsmilemonth.org for more information!