Sugar and the Holidays
Sugar And Oral Health:
It’s the sweetest time of year, literally. Sugar is all around us. Sugary drinks, candies, cookies, even our food is packed with sugar. If we consume too much sugar it leads to cavities. By practicing moderation and portion control, there is room to include an appropriate amount of sugar in a healthy lifestyle.
Why worry about it now?
Our sugar intake escalates during the holidays. Drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows topped with whipped cream, or white wine. Eating foods like candy canes, sweet potato soufflé, sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles. They all have high sugar and high possibility of consequence. The more sugar you eat, the more bacteria builds up. This increases your risk for cavities, gum disease, and receding gums. Moderation is the key to almost everything in life. While you can’t really cut out sugar all together, there are other options that can keep you in the holiday spirit with less risk.
Sugar And Oral Health
So – what are the alternate options?
There are plenty of healthy alternatives and most you are probably already having at dinner. Such as, turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, pumpkin, cheese, and vegetables.
Gingerbread cookies have less sugar than other bakes goods, dark chocolate is a better alternative to milk chocolate, and peppermint flavored beverages (like tea) are other excellent ways to have the festive taste without the sugar content.
The best option to make sure you keep a healthy holiday balance?
Drink lots of water. Drinking water is the staple to a healthy lifestyle and healthy teeth! Eat and drink your sugars in moderation. Limit your snacking throughout the day. Brush and floss regularly. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment with us before the new year! We hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy holidays!
As You can also read more about:
What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?
February Newsletter
Orthodontic
Gum Health : Key to a Healthy Smile
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