Even in good times, preserving your oral health can be a challenge. It requires good oral hygiene practices, regular dental checkups, and more! However, things get especially tough when you suffer from sugar cravings. After all, indulging in your “sweet tooth” can seriously harm your teeth and gums. Worse yet, these cravings are hard to resist due to sugar’s addictiveness. That said, what can you do to overcome them? Well, your Orange Park dentist has a few answers. Read on to learn four things you can do to beat sugar cravings and improve oral health.
Taper Off Your Sugar Intake
While you might want to quit sugar “cold turkey,” that’ll likely cause withdrawal symptoms. Said signs wouldn’t be severe — a headache or irritability — but they’d still feel unpleasant.
You’re free to continue if you’re okay with that fact. In case of a serious sugar habit, though, you may want to reduce your intake over a week or two. That way, you’ll experience less drastic effects.
Eat Sugar-Free Alternatives
Going without sugar doesn’t have to mean giving up sweetness. You could always satisfy your craving with alternatives that taste similar to the carb.
As it happens, there are many sugar-free products you can choose from. Instead of putting a sugary sweetener in your coffee, for example, you could use Splenda. There are also non-sugar substitutes for chewing gum, hard candies, soft drinks, and more.
Get Used to Telling Yourself “No”
Resisting your sugar craving might sound tiresome in the heat of the moment. But ask yourself: Is the fleeting pleasure of a sugary food worth the health damage? The sweet might taste good now, but it’ll lead to cavities, gum disease, or worse later.
Next time you feel tempted, remember there’s a good reason to give up sugar. Think about the long-term good rather than the short-term one.
Only Indulge Occasionally
Despite your caution, going without any sugar could lead you to relapse and binge. Again, the substance can be highly addictive for some people.
You can prevent that outcome, though, by letting yourself indulge occasionally. You won’t ruin your teeth if you only have ice cream on a Friday night or a cupcake at an office holiday party. It’s about practicing moderation – sugar is fine in small doses; just don’t go overboard.
While sugar cravings can be hard to deal with, they aren’t impossible to manage. Therefore, follow the tips above so your smile can reap the benefits.
About the Practice
Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry is based in Orange Park, FL. As led by Drs. Crovatto and Edwards, the practice prioritizes patient experience in its dental care. To that end, the staff performs customized treatments spanning preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. The dental team is also a qualified provider of BOTOX and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (904)-272-0800.