Dental Treats – No Tricks Here
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Dental Treats – No Tricks Here by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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One of our favorite candy-filled holidays is upon us, as the retail world likes to remind us. As in all ghoulish fairy tales, the wicked witch ensnares us with tantalizing sugar-laden tricks that do not fool our teeth. This year let us recommend some excellent dental tip treats to avoid the tricks of the cavity-filled holiday.
The Sugar Spell
Each year Halloween is synonymous with the sugar-laden treats that we consume. On average, Americans purchase around 600 million pounds–or 2 billion dollars worth–of candy each year. Kids alone can consume up to 7,000 calories which are approximately three cups of sugar. To give you a better idea, children would have to walk an average of over 100 miles to burn off what they ate. Scary!
Although these Halloween statistics are a bit ghoulish, map out how much sugar the average American consumes daily, not just around October 31st.
Ghoulish Information
According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, sugar makes up 16 percent of the average American child’s daily caloric intake. Additionally, the American Dental Association recommends that added sugar make up no more than 10 percent of their daily caloric intake, with beverages providing ideally less than 5 percent of that total.
Break The Spell
Although sugar casts a powerful spell, it is possible to overcome an addiction to sugar commonly associated with not only obesity, diabetes, and poor heart health but incredibly damaging to our teeth and gums.
When we eat foods that contain sugar, we are not the only ones enjoying the meal–so are the harmful bacteria in our mouths. As a result, these bacteria produce acids that eat away at our teeth and cause tooth decay, or in other words, cavities.
Tricks To Reduce Intake
The key is to gradually use less sugar where you can, such as in coffee or tea and your breakfast cereal. In addition, reduce or eliminate your soda consumption and water down any fruit juices you may drink. The benefit is that your body will adjust to the taste, and your teeth will remain less susceptible to decay.
Keen Eye Your Ingredients:
Read Food Labels
Many times we don’t realize just how much sugar we are consuming. You may think you’re making a healthy choice for your child with dried or canned fruit, granola bars, or even yogurt. But many of these food items have a surprisingly high amount of added sugar.
Bubble Trouble
Did you know that one can of soda is equivalent to three times the daily recommended sugar intake for a child? Even seemingly healthy beverages such as fruit juices contain far too much sugar. The best options for drinks are water and milk.
The Powerful Ingredient of Home Cooking
By cooking at home, you can precisely know the ingredients of your child’s meals and snacks. If you treat yourself to fast food, be aware of how much hidden sugar is in those quick, convenient meals. Plus, avoid buying desserts from the store, and if you make your own, reduce the amount of sugar listed in the recipe. Many baked goods use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
Ready To Cast a Spell on Great Dental Health
Are you ready to be enchanted with a fantastic smile and healthy teeth? Call our office. Our expert team at Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove, FL, will help you break the spell of sugar and guide you with proper dental counseling and optimal health recommendations.
Have a Happy and Healthy Upcoming Halloween!
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
