Smile-Care Tips for Those with a Strong Sweet Tooth

Sugar is a dentist’s sworn enemy – and for good reason. This common sweetener can accelerate bacteria growth, increasing your risk of cavities and putting your smile in jeopardy. But if you have a strong sweet tooth, it’s probably hard to hear your dentist repeatedly tell you to eat less of your favorite snacks. Is it possible to satisfy your cravings and take good care of your teeth?

As it turns out, there are actually multiple things you can do! Keep reading for some smile-care tips that are perfect for sugar enthusiasts.

Clean Your Teeth Often

Since the danger of sugar is that it accelerates the rate of oral bacteria growth, it’s important for sweet-toothed patients to clean their teeth more often than the average-joe. Brush your pearly whites after enjoying your sugary snack, and consider getting a mouthwash you can rinse for more thorough cleaning.

If you’re often on-the-go, you might want to invest in a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. That way, you’ll be able to take care of your smile no matter where you are.

Find a Favorite Fruit

The natural sugars found in fruit are not nearly as bad for your teeth as the processed variety, and can be just as satisfying. They’re also very easy to incorporate into other dishes – you can add strawberries or bananas to cereal and yogurt, for example, or blend them together into a smoothie. Fruits come in a variety of flavor-profiles, so see if you can find a favorite and experiment with ways to snackify it!

Use Strategic Substitutions

Similarly, if sugary additives are your kryptonite, try to find milder substitutions. Instead of having your coffee with cream, use a spoonful of honey or maple syrup, for example. Coconut sugar and date sugar are good minimally processed alternatives, and sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol are naturally occurring (unlike artificial sweeteners like Stevia and sucralose).

Basically, there’s more than one type of sugar! With a bit of research, you can find a substitute that’s much better for you and your smile.

Consider Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are more common for children, but adults can request them as well. If you get intense sugar cravings, the anti-cavity properties of fluoride can give your pearly whites some extra protection. Just remember that fluoride treatments don’t make you immune to tooth decay!

It can be harder to take care of your smile when sugary treats call to you like a siren out at sea. Fortunately, these tips can help you satisfy your cravings in other, healthier ways. Follow them to help keep cavities far away from your grin, and don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for more advice!

About the Author

Dr. Ulysses L. Marable III is a highly experienced dentist who enjoys helping his patients feel better about their smiles. If your sweet tooth makes you worry about your dental health, visit Dr. Marable. He’ll not only promptly treat any cavities you might have, but also provide expert advice for helping you keep your pearly whites happy and healthy. To contact his office for an appointment, call  478-825-3000.