Tuesday, February 10, 2015

3 Tips for Combating Sugar Cravings

Any dentist will tell you that sugar can be harmful for your oral health; however, it can be difficult to ward off those tempting cravings, especially when we see something we know is especially delicious.

If you think your family has sugar on the mind, then you would be right! The brain uses nearly 80 percent of your daily sugar consumption. It is programmed to crave sugar's energy and sweetness. The brain sends out a nice, pleasurable sensation when satisfied.

So what can you do to keep the sugar cravings at bay? Well, our Chicagoland dental office has three great and easy tips for you

  1. Keep blood-sugar levels steady. This can be done by eating three meals and two snacks each day. When you have snacks, things like carrots and even popcorn (low salt & butter) are great options-- they can scrape away the plaque. 
  2. Keep mind & body occupied. Enjoy physical activities that take you away from the cookie jar. Try doing something outside, when the weather is nice. 
  3. Refuel the reserves. Get enough sleep and daily nutrients to fight the fatigue-induced cravings. 
Sugar-related obesity and type-2 diabetes are on the rise, and sugar can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums, along with hours of missed school and work due to discomfort and the need for repair. For a healthy future, use sugar sparingly, and always brush & floss after eating. 

For questions, concerns, and treatments, email or call Rubino Dentistry. We are a dentist in Park Ridge, just a short distance from Chicago. 

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