Syrup Word About a Devastating Disease

UPFRONT

ALTERNATIVE SUGARS Spreading the Syrup word about a devastating disease

November is Mouth Cancer Action Elaine Gardner, British Dietetic Association (BDA) Month and the Oral Health Foundation Spokesperson, discusses the sugar content in syrup and is asking dental professionals to show provides related oral health advice. their support and help save lives by raising vital awareness of mouth cancer. Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to reduce the amount of lives claimed by the disease and make a difference Name: Syrup All syrups contain a mixture of glucose, by promoting the importance of early fructose and sucrose in varying proportions, detection and prevention. The campaign What is it? A variety of different sugary with golden syrup and treacle containing hopes to get more mouth cancers liquids such as maple syrup, black treacle approximately a third sucrose. As a result, if diagnosed at an early stage by educating (molasses), golden syrup, date syrup and eaten in excess they have the same problems people on the risk factors, signs and pomegranate molasses can fall under this as sugar, ie obesity, diabetes. symptoms; while also encouraging the heading. These are produced as by-products Date syrup contains concentrated date sugar public to discuss them with their dental of the sugar industry (black treacle, golden (mainly fructose) with the pulp (fibre content) professional. syrup), from natural sources (maple syrup removed. It has been suggested that it has Like many cancers early detection is the sap of the maple tree) or made from antibacterial effects (similar to honey), but the makes such a vital difference to a fruits (dates, pomegranate juice). evidence to date is from laboratory experiments person’s chance of survival; in terms Syrup shots used to produce a wide and there have been no trials in humans. of mouth cancer early detection can range of flavoured coffee drinks, teas and There are claims regarding the benefits of dramatically increase the chances of smoothies, commonly seen in coffee shops the fruit/tree based syrups due to their anti- survival to 90% from 50%. in the UK, are most often sugar (sucrose) oxidant content, but these are based on the In 2016, more than 2,000 dental syrup with added flavourings, although some actual fruits and there is no robust evidence organisations supported Mouth Cancer sugar-free versions are becoming available. base concerning the benefits of the syrups. Action Month through education of Found in? Available in many shops and patients and local people about this health food stores. Some products like maple Oral health impact: They are all harmful to devastating disease, alongside the huge syrup can be expensive, so cheaper imitations teeth due to the high levels of fermentable benefits of good oral health for our are made out of flavoured high fructose corn carbohydrates. overall health. syrup (the sweetness commonly used in Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the processed foods and drinks). Advice for patients: Syrups should be used Oral Health Foundation, said: ‘The The different syrups are used instead of sparingly for flavour. Oral hygiene needs to good news is that we, and you, on the sugar for the different flavours they bring be maintained. frontline of the profession are in the to products like cakes (eg black treacle in perfect position to do something about gingerbread), biscuits (eg golden syrup in it; by pledging your support you can flapjacks) and desserts (eg maple syrup and help raise awareness amongst your pancakes). Some products can also be used as patients and in your local community. a dressing on salad and vegetables, to sweeten ‘We remain enormously thankful stews, to drizzle over yoghurt or porridge, or and humbled by the continued support used in marinades or dips. shown by the dental community for an increasingly important cause.’ Effect on general health:Some syrups To find out how you can get involved contain iron (black treacle, date syrup) but in Mouth Cancer Action Month 2017 as they have a strong taste and concentrated visit www.mouthcancer.org for inspi- sweetness only small amounts are used. This Find out more about the British Dietetic Association at: ration on what you can do to spread makes their contribution as a source of iron www.bda.uk.com. awareness.

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL | VOLUME 223 NO. 8 | OCTOBER 27 2017 555 Official j ournal of the British Dental Associati on.