Do you have a major sweet tooth? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Sugar is a highly addictive substance that makes it almost impossible to resist! In fact, studies show that sugar consumption can become compulsive and share certain qualities with other common behavioral and drug addictions. The worst part? It’s in an astounding variety of products. The average American consumes far too much sugar, even if they don’t think they do. Luckily, there are several ways you can keep your sugar cravings at bay. Read on as your dentist in Melbourne shares a few tips.
Monitor Your Sugar Intake
Unless you’re calorie-conscious or trying to lose weight, you’re probably not paying much attention to the foods you’re eating. However, the first step in cutting back on sugar is to be aware of your dietary habits. Keep a food journal for a week or so and jot down everything you consume. Find nutritional information for every snack and meal to get an idea of how much sugar you’re actually consuming.
Gradually Reduce Your Sugar Intake
You may think that quitting sugar cold turkey is the best solution to beat cravings. While some people use this approach and do just fine, others might experience withdrawal symptoms. The latter is usually the case for those who have an extreme sugar-eating habit. If that sounds like you, gradually decrease your intake over a week or two to prevent drastic effects.
Drink Plenty of Water
Did you know that intense sugar cravings could be from dehydration? If you have a strong urge to eat something sweet, drink a large glass of water to eliminate the sudden feeling. Whenever possible, opt for fluoridated tap water! It has the added benefit of strengthening tooth enamel, which protects your teeth against decay and cavities.
Eat Sugar-Free Instead
Thanks to sweeteners like Splenda, several sugar-free products almost taste exactly like the real thing! There are tons of options on the market that are low in sugar, such as flavored coffee creamer, chewing gum, hard candy, and much more. You can enjoy all your favorite foods without the risk of real sugar!
Practice Self-Discipline
It’s no secret that sugar tastes good, but is it really worth the potential damage to your oral health? Whenever you experience a sugar craving, think about the long-term benefits you’ll reap from ignoring the urge. Taking a second to think about what you’re truly getting will help you realize how foregoing sugar is completely worth it!
Indulge in Moderation
If you avoid sugar completely, there’s a possibility that you’ll relapse and binge. To prevent this, allow yourself to indulge in some sugar occasionally. Like most things, it’s okay to enjoy a donut or cookie in moderation. One dessert isn’t going to destroy your teeth, so don’t worry – go ahead and eat that cupcake at the holiday party! Just make sure it doesn’t become a habit.
All in all, taking good care of your teeth involves more than just brushing and flossing. Making healthier food choices will help you maintain a strong, healthy smile that lasts for life!
About the Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry, we provide outstanding, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care that is bound to exceed even your highest expectations. We offer comprehensive services that are guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. Our team enjoys educating our patients to help them make confident and informed decisions about their dental health. For more ways to beat sugar cravings and maintain a healthy smile, visit our website or call (321) 259-4666.