As the holidays approach, we treat patients of our family dentist office and help them to stay cavity and pain-free. While conducting teeth cleanings and dental exams, we regularly ask our patients about their diet and what foods they are eating to either strengthen or weaken their teeth. One of the most common issues we see is that people eat way too much sugar. Sugar is in virtually all processed foods, so it is hard to get away from. When you combine that with sugar in your coffee or a daily candy bar, it creates a sugar overload and a risk to the health of your teeth and gums.
When sugar settles onto your teeth, it can create an acid that starts to attack the tooth. This is why people that leave sugar on their teeth are at a greater risk of getting a cavity. We recommend that patients brush their teeth throughout the day instead of only in the morning and at night in order to remove bacteria and sugar before it has the opportunity to create a problem. When doing so make sure to use a soft toothbrush so that your gums won’t become irritated.
In our family dentist office we believe in the importance of preventative care which includes brushing at home, having your teeth regularly cleaned, and eating a healthy diet. With that in mind, here are our favorite tips for staying away from sugar:
- Drink lots of water. If you stay hydrated and drink water, you will feel fuller throughout the day. It is hard to have room for dessert when you are full from drinking a bottle of water. In fact, before you eat make sure to drink a cup of water and do so again when you are done. Wait a few minutes before ordering dessert, and you will likely find that you are simply too full.
- Carry healthy snacks. It is easy to head to the vending machine when you are hungry. To prevent this, carry healthy snacks with you. This can include apples, string cheese, baby carrots, granola, and other foods that are easy to transport. Load up your bag with snacks in the morning so that you can stay healthy throughout the day.
- Eat a balanced diet. It is important to eat a diet that contains complex carbs and lean protein. This way you will have sustained energy throughout the day and avoid crashing. When you eat a diet full of simple carbs, like cereal or white bread, you will crash quickly and it is natural to reach for something else that contains sugar in order to get your energy levels back up. This isn’t good for you so to avoid it, eat a healthy and balanced diet that will help you to stay full and have plenty of energy.
As a family dentist, we understand that the healthier you are at home; there is less of a chance that you will develop gum disease or cavities. Combine these healthy habits with trips to the dentist so that you can stay in good oral health.
