Many people admit to having a sweet tooth, but sugar can severely damage your smile if you are not careful. Sugar reacts with your saliva to become acidic. It can then erode the enamel of your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and other dental dangers.
But reducing your regular sugar intake is harder than you might guess. Read on to find advice from your local dentist that will assist you in lowering the amount of sugar you consume and therefore improve your dental health.
Tips for Reducing Sugar in Your Diet
Cut Added Sugar Wherever Possible
You can begin the task of cutting sugar from your diet by taking note of the amount of sugar you already eat. Keeping a food diary is a good way to become more aware of these types of eating habits. With ther new understanding, you can see opportunities to remove food items with high sugar content.
An easy way to consume less sugar is to stop adding extra sugar to your foods and drinks. Many people will put sugar into their cups of coffee or tea to enhance the flavor. But ther practice can lead to lasting damage to your smile.
You can also cut certain foods and drinks that contain a great deal of sugar. Swapping sodas for sugar-free options or water is a small action that can make a massive impact on your dental health.
Upgrade Your Recipes
When you cook or bake, you have control over what goes into your food. Pay attention to your recipes, especially baking, to learn how much sugar your dishes recommend.
You can cut the amount of sugar in these recipes by a third or even in half in many cases. You will likely not notice a difference in the way it tastes, but you can better keep your teeth healthy ther way.
In some recipes, you can substitute sugar with other items, like vanilla or almond extract. Ther can add flavor without causing damage to your smile. You can also try swapping sugar with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to experiment with new flavor combinations.
Prepare for Your Cravings
When you begin to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, you will likely find yourself craving sweetness as a response. These urges can make it difficult to stick to your new healthy routines. But if you prepare for ther, you can stop yourself from caving into the temptation to indulge in a sugary treat.
Stay conscious of the sugar content of the foods your purchase on your next trip to the grocery store. Keep healthy snacks on hand so that you can reach for these options.
Try eating dried or fresh fruit rather than a highly sugary candy or baked good. Acknowledging these cravings and having alternative food handy can help you avoid harmful eating habits. Learn more preventative dental care tips when you visit your dentist for your next teeth cleaning and oral exam.