It seems strange to think that something as simple as sugar can negatively affect the health of your teeth, but the truth is that it does more than you might think. Sugar affects more than just your weight; it also has the potential to weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to serious dental problems down the road. The question is, how does sugar affect your teeth? And what can you do about it? This article will help you answer those questions, while also providing some tips on how to quit sugar once and for all!
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What Is Sugar?
The American Heart Association recommends that women have no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, while men should have no more than nine. That equates to about 200 calories of sugar a day, which is equivalent to one 12-ounce can of cola; one scoop of ice cream; one chocolate chip cookie; or two bites of cake or pie.
The Effects of Sugar Addicted
Like any drug, sugar can be addicting. That’s because it causes your brain to release dopamine, a hormone that makes you feel great and often prompts you to seek out more of whatever it is that’s producing those feelings. As time goes on, you need more and more of a substance—in our case, sugar—to get those same positive feelings. Essentially, high levels of sugar in your body turn into an addiction.
Sugary Drinks
Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is one of America’s favorite pastimes—but it comes at a cost. And, no, we’re not talking about cavities and that annoying dentist visit. We’re talking about our waistlines and physical health in general.
Fruits & Vegetables
We all know that healthy diets help fight disease, but some foods may actually be bad for our teeth. More than a third of Americans are affected by tooth decay—and it’s not just from eating too much sugar. Foods like acidic fruits (think: oranges, lemons, and limes) and certain vegetables (like corn on the cob) can also negatively affect your dental health if consumed in excess. To help keep your teeth strong and prevent decay, try to eat these types of foods in moderation.
Added Sugars in Groceries
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that Americans consume around 13 pounds of added sugars each year. Added sugars are typically found in foods such as sweets, soda, and condiments and can increase your risk for tooth decay, according to 2011 research from Indiana University. So check ingredient labels; if you see sugar listed among ingredients, ask yourself whether it’s an added or natural sugar. If it’s added sugar, leave it on the shelf!
Other Foods That Contain Sugar
While we’re on topic, it’s a good idea to avoid consuming large amounts of sugar through additional means. For example, food products that use added sugar in their recipes as well as many snack foods contain high amounts of sugar and should be avoided. Even healthier foods like low-fat yogurts can contain a hefty amount of added sugars. Be sure to read nutritional labels and watch out for those sneaky sugars!
How can I prevent cavities in children who are Sugar Addicted?
In order to prevent tooth decay, clean your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If you feel like your child has been eating lots of sugary foods or snacks, then brushing his/her teeth more often is a great way to keep cavities away.
My child is scared of the dentist. What can I do?
Your child’s fear of going to see a dentist may stem from previous negative experiences, or it could be one of his personality traits. How you react to your child’s fear can also play a role in calming him. A dentist experienced in treating children will have patience and knowledge in dealing with apprehensive patients. If you are seeing a general practitioner or pediatrician, ask her for recommendations on how to make your child more comfortable when he visits a dentist.
Brushing, flossing, and fluoride treatments are more important than you think!
Brushing and flossing are just as important for children as they are for adults. Children who do not brush regularly are up to five times more likely to develop cavities than those who do. As parents, we may think that our kids will eventually learn how to brush properly on their own, but studies show that it is only after consistent encouragement from their parents that most kids will make good oral health practices a habit.
Tips on Moderation & Dental Care for Sugar Addicted
Moderation and dental care are probably your best bet when it comes to curbing your sugar addiction and protecting your teeth. Here are a few tips on moderating your intake of sweet treats
