December 9/London/Newcastle University -- Researchers at Newcastle University found that consumption of artificially sweetened beverages could increase the chances of cavities and recommended that the sugar intake should be reduced to half.

Paula Moynihan, professor of nutrition and oral health, said people eat sugary things regularly on various parties and occasions.

"'People now expect to keep their teeth into old age and, given that the effects of sugars on our teeth are lifelong, limiting sugars to less than 5% of the calories we eat would minimize the risk of dental cavities throughout life."

"We need to make it easier for people to make healthier choices when it comes to sugars by ensuring that options lower in added sugars are made widely available in schools, shops and the workplace," she explained.

For the study, the researchers analyzed 55 previous studies on the causes of tooth decay. The data was collected from trials in countries such as Latin America, the Caribbean, China and South Africa, reports The Guardian.

They found that higher sugar intake increases cavity risk. The researchers also found a "significant relationship" between people who consumed less than 5% calories in sugar. This means less than seven teaspoons a day for women, and just over eight for men.

The researchers state that a can of Sprite has 5.5 teaspoons of sugar and a bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate contains 6.4 teaspoons.

According to World Health Organization recommendations, consumption of sugar was limited 13 teaspoons a day since 1990.