A Quick Guide to Reducing Sugar Intake for Your Teeth’s Sake
Created on June 15, 2013
Too much sugar, whether it’s processed or naturally-occurring (even in fruits), could lead to serious health conditions if left unchecked for a long time. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of sugar for men and 26 grams for women on a daily basis. There are a hosts of diseases and health conditions linked to too much sugar in your system yet here at our Massachusetts dental practice, we focus on helping you reduce sugar intake for your teeth’s sake. Read on!
Link Between Sugar and Oral Health
Apart from being a huge factor in increasing obesity, the sugar from the food you eat could actually turn into acid which could damage your tooth’s enamel. The more sugar you have in your system, the greater your chances of tooth and gum damage.
Tips to Reducing Sugar Intake
1. Simply limit what your intake of carbonated beverages, sodas, and fizzy drinks. While there may be sugar-free options, keep in mind that that these sugar-free beverages could still cause acidic damage.
2. Read product labels. Did you know that seemingly safe food products have hidden sugar content in them? Watch for labels such as malted barley, sucrose, dextrose, and corn syrup. They actually mean the same thing — sugar.
3. Be wary of food items with “natural” labels, too. These items include fruit juices, smoothies, yogurt, and energy bars. Some of these food items have additives and preservatives in the form of sugar. Consider making your own smoothie or energy bar from scratch instead. By doing so, you exactly know what’s in your food.
4. Cut back on bread, biscuits, cookies, and other types of sweets. These carbs will actually break down into sugar.
5. Find healthier alternatives when you’re craving for sweets such as desserts or the afternoon munchies. Why not have some raw carrot or celery sticks? Or a piece of dark chocolate? A glass of cold water, perhaps? Most of the time, when you think you’re hungry, you are actually just thirsty.
Give the aforementioned tips a try and visit us for a follow-up checkup of your overall oral health. Apart from healthier teeth, you will most likely have lesser health problems in the long run with reduced sugar intake.
Massachusetts Dentistry
Let us help you improve your oral health! If you live around the Springfield or Boston, Massachusetts area, schedule an initial consultation with us! Call us at (413) 241-3264 or fill out this contact form. Dr. David Peck is known for results. Have you ever dreamed of a great smile? If so, trust the experience, talent and compassion of general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Peck to make your dream into a reality!
Tagged with: Dental Health
