Tips to cut down on sugar
We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth but what does it actually do to them?
It’s not the sugar itself that does the damage, but the sequence of events that happens after consuming it. The bacteria on our teeth (in plaque) feed on the sugars, producing acid as a result. The acids destroy the tooth enamel which is the first stage of decay. It’s not just the amount of sugar we eat, but also the frequency of eating it that is causing the damage. Here are a few ways to help us cut down on the amount of sugar that we are consuming:
- Be aware of ‘hidden’ sugars. Sugar has many names including sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses, hydrolysed starch and corn syrup. Recognising these names helps us to avoid them.
- Opt for sugar free snacks. Snacking is one of the main culprits of acid attacks – it’s all too easy to reach for the biscuit tin! Find some healthier sugar free snacks, e.g. a handful of nuts, cheese, cucumber or raw carrot sticks with hummus, and restrict sugary snacks to meal times.
- Give up sugar in tea and coffee. Many people drink cups of tea or coffee throughout the day and if they take sugar this can quickly add up! Reducing or completely cutting out the sugar will really give your teeth a break.
- Drink water. Drinking water is very important to hydrate and wash away food debris, but it also keeps your saliva levels high to help neutralise sugars effectively.
- Eat the right breakfast. Breakfast cereals and smoothies are often very high in sugar. Swapping high sugar cereals to to low sugar cereals and muesli, or other low sugar options like wholegrain toast and eggs will have a massive impact on your oral health.
Making sure you visit the dentist regularly is very important to help spot any early signs of decay. Book an appointment with the Bank House Dental Centre in Princes Risborough so we can help you look after your teeth.
Comments are closed.