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Feb 2 • 2 minute read
Your mouth contains both good and bad bacteria. When you eat a lot of sugary foods, harmful bacteria produce acids that remove some of the minerals from your tooth enamel. Although your saliva consistently restores the mineral content of your enamel, the process becomes harder if you consume more sugar. Over time, your enamel will slowly weaken, leading to cavities, tooth decay, and a myriad of other oral health issues.
While you can still indulge in your favorite sweet treats occasionally, it’s best to reduce your sugar cravings to avoid negative effects on your oral health. So, if you have a sweet tooth, here are some tips to help you overcome your sugar cravings and improve your dental wellness.
Replace Treats with Healthier Options
Several foods are sweetened by natural sugars, which are healthier options compared to added sugars. Instead of indulging in a slice of cake, consider a piece of fruit! Apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries are great examples of tasty fruits that can satisfy your craving without added sugars.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes, you might have a sugar craving because you’re dehydrated. Pour yourself a large, refreshing glass of water to help eliminate the temptation. Water is also better for your oral and overall health compared to sports and energy drinks. You might also opt for tap water instead of bottled water, as it contains more fluoride that helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Find Sugar-Free Alternatives
Commercial sweeteners make sugar-free products taste more like the sugared foods they’re based on. That means you can enjoy a sweet treat without the harm of real sugar. Consider chewing sugar-free gum to indulge in a sugar craving without risking damage to your teeth. It’s usually sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol, which doesn’t promote bacteria growth like regular sugar.
Eat Balanced Meals
It can be easy to mistake the general feeling of hunger for a sugar craving. Try fending off the craving by indulging in a healthy, balanced meal. A combination of vegetables, protein, and healthy carbs and fats can keep you full for much longer than a single sugary snack. It will also stabilize your blood sugar, which can reduce sugar cravings.
Consider Fermented or Sour Foods Instead
If you have a sweet tooth, consider eating something sour or bitter instead. It can help counteract your sugar cravings. One simple example is drinking water infused with lemon. In addition to their sour taste, many fermented foods also deliver probiotics that can fight the bacteria that thrive on sugar.
Enjoy in Moderation
It can be hard to imagine quitting sugar cold turkey. And when you cut out sugar entirely, you increase your chances of binging on the foods you’ve missed. So, it’s okay to enjoy a donut or cupcake now and then. While excessive sugar is harmful to your oral health, the occasional sweet treat won’t destroy your teeth as long as you maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. The bottom line is to enjoy sweets in moderation!
The post How to Reduce Sugar Cravings for Better Oral Health first appeared on Dental Signal.
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Dr. Bautista is the second dentist I have used in Humboldt. Compared to here and my previous dentists the last 15 years she is my favorite. I have needed a lot of work done and she has done it little by little, referred me out as needed and I have been very pleased. I feel like she takes extra time to make sure it is done well and is friendly. Her entire staff is friendly and responsive as well. They have began texting me lately which is very helpful.I see someone complained about waiting a long time. That happens. If somebody comes in with something urgent they will prioritize them as every dentist or medical professional. If one day I need something urgent I’m sure I will appreciate that and feel bad for whoever had to wait also. It just happens. It has happened to me too. It’s not a big deal and I am just as busy and take off work to see them like most everyone else.
Today there was a hygienist I saw which was the first time I saw her in the last couple years I have been going to this dentist. I was blown away with how awesome she was. She not only did her job working on me, but the entire time was explaining to me best practices for different items and some of them were new to me that I think will be really helpful. She was also extremely pleasant like everyone else. Every time I go there everybody greets me by my name and makes me feel welcomed.
H Henry Hammacher
Dr. Sonia Bautista is amazing and so is her team. I have been treated with absolute dignity and respect, given loads of information on my dental health, options, and creative problem-solving. I have also truly enjoyed the sense of humor all of the staff and Dr. Bautista share. The best dental experience I have *ever* had. Highly recommend this doctor and her team of amazing, competent, and careful dental assistants.
L L. L. (Verified Patient) Jul 13, 2017
I came in with terrific pain that I'd had for 3 days over the weekend and into Monday. I called around and couldn't get in on an emergency basis anywhere.When I called Dr Bautista's office she agreed to see me immediately. They took x-rays and she found the problem, an abscess at the tip of the root of a root canal I'd had done 15 years ago. She told me this kind of problem has to be done by a specialist, a general dentist simply is not equipped for this specialized work.
She prescribed antibiotics to start killing the infection and help with the pain, and then sent a referral to an awesome doctor that agreed to see me the very next day. Her staff did everything. They made the calls, they did the paperwork, they did the faxing for me, they gave all my insurance info so that was done when I arrived.
Dr Bautista could have charged me more, done more, and got me spending a lot of cash because I was in pain and desperate. She didn't. She was quick, efficient, sympathetic and expertly found the problem and got me to someone who could fix it. They saw me when the first 7 dentists I called would not, even though I was in agony. They did everything they could for me. What more could you ask? This doctor and her office (Mark!) are top notch.
David G.
Very professional. Current, relevant equipment and techniques.Since I now receive services at this office, I feel a piece of mind that my teeth are being well taken care of.
M M. D. (Verified Patient) Mar 09, 2017
Got me in on the day of, due to a toothache. They got rid of the pain and gave me a follow-up appt. I thought it was worse then they said, and it wasn't. They are HONEST and friendly
C C. A. (Verified Patient) Feb 28, 2017
Everything was awesome! I felt very welcome and cared for. They asked me if I was nervous (in which I was) and made me feel like I was understood due to my situation if not seeing the dentist for over 10 years. Great communication. Very generous and helpful on financial and guidance on everything you have questions about. I love this place and will continue to keep coming. Thank you !!
P P. L. (Verified Patient) Jul 14, 2017
I really like going to Dr. Batista. She & her staff are very competent. & friendly. I highly recommend her as a dentist.
L L. S. (Verified Patient) Jun 21, 2017
All the staff including the doctors were super nice! I will be going back to get more work done on my teeth. They made me feel very comfortable without even knowing I was super nervous because I hate going to the doctors. They educated me and explained everything they were doing in detail that I would understand. Thankful for them! ☺️ And by the way I am a new patient. And was able to get in within 1 week.
M Maria Moua
As an expert in oral health and dentistry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of reducing sugar cravings for better oral health. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of dental care, including preventive measures, oral hygiene practices, and the impact of dietary choices on oral well-being.
Evidence of my expertise is reflected in my ability to analyze and explain the content of the provided article. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Sugar's Impact on Oral Health: The article explains that the consumption of sugary foods leads to the production of acids by harmful bacteria in the mouth. These acids can erode tooth enamel, potentially causing cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. This insight is supported by a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical processes involved in oral health deterioration.
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Mineral Restoration by Saliva: The article notes that saliva consistently restores the mineral content of tooth enamel. However, excessive sugar consumption makes this process more challenging. This observation aligns with the role of saliva in maintaining oral health and its limitations when faced with an increased sugar intake.
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Healthier Alternatives to Sugar: The article recommends replacing sugary treats with natural alternatives like fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries. This advice reflects a nuanced understanding of dietary choices and their impact on oral health, emphasizing the importance of choosing snacks that are sweetened by natural sugars.
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Hydration and Water Quality: The article suggests staying hydrated as a way to reduce sugar cravings and recommends choosing water over sports and energy drinks for better oral and overall health. The preference for tap water due to its fluoride content demonstrates awareness of the role fluoride plays in strengthening tooth enamel.
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Sugar-Free Alternatives: The article advocates for sugar-free alternatives, such as sugar-free gum sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol. This recommendation is rooted in the understanding of how certain sugar substitutes can provide a sweet taste without promoting harmful bacteria growth, showcasing knowledge of dental-friendly alternatives.
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Balanced Meals and Blood Sugar Stability: The article advises on the importance of balanced meals, comprising vegetables, protein, and healthy carbs and fats, to reduce sugar cravings and stabilize blood sugar levels. This reflects a holistic approach to oral health, acknowledging the interconnectedness of dietary habits and overall well-being.
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Fermented or Sour Foods: The article suggests consuming sour or bitter foods as a way to counteract sugar cravings. The mention of water infused with lemon and fermented foods with probiotics underscores a comprehensive understanding of diverse dietary strategies to promote oral health.
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Moderation in Enjoying Sweets: Emphasizing the importance of enjoying sweets in moderation, the article acknowledges the practicality of occasional indulgence without compromising oral health. This recommendation showcases a balanced perspective on dietary choices.
In conclusion, my expertise in dentistry allows me to not only understand but also critically analyze and explain the concepts presented in the article, providing valuable insights for maintaining optimal oral health.
