If you have a sweet tooth, then you have come to the right place. Not only do I have a sweet tooth but I am also a dentist. Yes, it is great to say “just avoid sugar”. But in an age of cheat meals, doughnut shakes and FOMO, how does one do that? It’s okay everyone, I am here to help. I am here to give you my top three tips for preventing tooth decay if you have a sweet tooth. Have you found me too late and already have a cavity? Or perhaps you need me to check for cavities? If so, give my team at Riverstone Family Dental a call on 8678 3538.
Tip Number One: ORAL HYGIENE
Brush your teeth twice a day. Small circles, angled at 45 degrees to your teeth and gently massage your gums while you brush. This mechanically removes any food residue still stuck to your teeth. Use floss to clean the areas between your teeth. This is important as a toothbrush cannot reach these spots and food can easily get lodged and sit here for days causing bad breath, cavities and gum infection. When using floss make sure you contact the surfaces of your teeth to again mechanically remove bits of food stuck to them.
Tip Number Two: SUBSTITUTION
If you bake or make your own sweets then try substituting white sugar with things like Xylitol. This is a natural sugar and many studies have come out recently showing it actually STOPS decay from progressing through your teeth. There are sugar alternatives out there for bodybuilders and diabetics so have a look at these products and see if they are suitable for you. Another tip is avoid fruit juices and instead have the raw fruit version. For example have an apple instead of slowly sipping on apple juice.
Tip Number Three: TIMING
Lots of studies have shown it is not necessarily the AMOUNT of sugar you have, but rather how FREQUENTLY you have it. Crazy isn’t it? This is because when you frequently consume sugar throughout the day, you are not giving your saliva enough time to replenish itself and buffer the mouth from the acidity created from consuming sugar. So my third tip is: if you are going to have sugary foods and drinks, try and consume them during or after a main meal. Once you have had the sugary meal or drink then that is it. The rest of the day, make sure you are having lots of veggies, protein and water.
I hope you have found this blog helpful. If you need a caring dentist that won’t make you feel bad about having a sweet tooth, then give my team a call at Riverstone Family Dental on 8678 3538.
