What commonly found product in a patient's diet can be a source of free sugars?

Fruit smoothies can be a significant source of free sugars, particularly when they contain added sugars or are made from fruit juices rather than whole fruits. Free sugars refer to sugars that are added to foods and drinks by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices.

In smoothies, while they may include whole fruits, they frequently have other ingredients such as sweetened yogurts or additional sugars, which can increase the total sugar content. This is crucial for dental health as high consumption of free sugars is linked to an increased risk of dental caries and other health issues. Whole fruits, like those in fresh pineapple chunks, are less likely to be problematic because they also contain fiber which helps mitigate the sugar absorption process. Similarly, plain yogurt and sweet potatoes contain natural sugars but are less concentrated sources of free sugars due to their nutritional composition and lack of added sugars. Therefore, when considering the impact on dental health, fruit smoothies stand out as a noteworthy source of free sugars.