When you get a sweet tooth, it means that you get a hankering for food and drink containing sugar. Too much sugar consumption contributes to tooth decay in your smile. Sugar itself does not cause decay of tooth enamel, but when the plaque bacteria in your mouth is exposed to sugar, it becomes erosive acid. Acid can attacks the enamel of your teeth causing erosion and cavities. Eliminate all sugary food and drink from our diet would seem like a safe bet. But moderation can do the trick, and we have some tips on how to tame your sweet tooth and protect your mouth’s health.
Make Mindful Choices Instead
The USDA recommends that sugar should take up no more than 10% of your daily calories. Whole fresh fruit can be a good swap for candy when you want to feed your sweet tooth craving. While most fruits do have a lot of sugar, they also contain a good amount of water and fiber healthy for your teeth. Chewing fruit can help your mouth produce saliva to help rinse away the harmful acid. So, if you are choosing between drinking fruit juice or chewing on a fresh piece of fruit, chewing is the better choice. Mindful swaps to give into your sweet tooth can help keep your sugar intake down.
Protection From Bad Choices
When mindful swaps will just not satisfy your sweet tooth, it is okay to reach for the occasional treat. If you go for a drink with a lot of sugar or acid, try not to sip it for a long time. If you sip on it all day, the longer your mouth is exposed to the problem. If you eat a treat, eat it along with a meal instead of snacking throughout the day. More chewing happens during a meal thus more saliva production which will help to rinse away the damaging acid. Drink water to aid your mouth in rinsing. Most tap water also contains fluoride, which helps strengthen your teeth to resist decay.
Your Sweet Tooth Can Be Satisfied Without Causing a Problem
A sweet tooth can be problematic to your smile’s health. To schedule a consultation with your dentist, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-764-1018. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.