It’s mid-afternoon. You get that craving that helps you power through the rest of your workday. You reach for your favorite candy bar packed with nuts, caramel, and chocolate. Then you don’t brush your teeth for another seven hours. Tomorrow, you turn to caffeinated soda in the morning and afternoon to get through the day.
Does this scenario seem familiar? Do you have a sweet tooth and don’t know what to do? Parkcrest Dental Group has some tips for healthier foods to eat to help get rid of your sweet tooth.
Related Post: How to Break Your Family’s Sugar Habit
Shop for Sugar-Free Substitutes
Shop for sugar-free substitutes for the sugary foods you love. You could also look for labels that say “No sugar added.” There are plenty of sugar-free candies available, both on department store shelves and in specialty health food stores.
Fruits
Fruits contain fructose, a natural sugar found in all types of fruit. They’re also naturally high in fiber. Berries offer a fantastic substitute for sugary foods because they also contain high amounts of vitamin C. Consider crunchy fruits, like apples, because the chewing action can help clean acid off of your teeth.
Snack Bars or Trail Mix With Oats and Whole Grains
Many snack bars are high in sugar. Look for healthier alternatives that contain whole grains, oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Again, we encourage you to look at nutrition labels to see the amounts of sugar in each food. Particularly, examine the “Added Sugar” portion of the label.
Yogurt
Yogurt may contain some sugar, but it also contains calcium, which helps your bones and teeth. Look for sugar-free or low-sugar yogurt with natural fruit in it. You can also turn yogurt into healthy smoothies filled with fruit, oats, nuts, and other good foods.
Sugar-Free Gum or Breath Mints
Sugar-free gum often contains xylitol, a sweetener that helps fight bacterial build-up in your mouth. Breath mints, like gum, keep your mouth from drying out and increase saliva production.
Lower Sugar Helps Reduce Cravings
Low-sugar foods that taste sweet may help reduce your cravings for foods that contain lots of sugar. Not only do you improve your oral hygiene, but you could also give the rest of your body a boost too.
Related Post: 4 Reasons Water Is Good for Your Teeth
You Still Need Good Oral Hygiene! Parkcrest Dental Helps
Even though these foods have less sugar in them, you still need a good oral hygiene regimen. Parkcrest Dental Group can help you develop good oral care practices at home, at the office, and when you’re traveling. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group online or call (417) 887-1220 for more information.
