Teeth Friendly Alternatives For Sugary Treats

Trying to make it through the holidays without eating sugary candies or treats isn’t a reasonable or realistic expectation. There is a more realistic and reasonable way to get through the holidays and that is by minimizing your mouth’s exposure to bacteria-consuming, acid-forming sugars.

Here are some ways:

Consume candy and other sweets with your meals, not as a snack. This is good advice any time of year. If you want to enjoy your holiday goodies, treat them as a dessert instead of a snack. Your saliva increases during meals to help wash away the sugars in a more efficient manner. And this tip can also help you moderate your consumption of holiday sweets.

Remember to drink water after eating dessert!

Buy and make sugar-free confections. You can have all the deliciousness without the damaging sugars. Be sure to read the labels of prepared products to make certain there are no hidden sugars.

Eat healthy snacks. By satisfying your between-meal cravings with these foods, you can enjoy your mealtime dessert even more. (No guilt!)

• Strawberries, apples, melons, and other fresh fruits are nutritious, healthy alternatives to candy or sugary snacks.
• Cheese, yogurt, unbuttered popcorn, and baked tortilla chips are great substitutions for fatty snacks and appetizers.
• Carrots, celery, and other raw veggies served with hummus or sugar-free peanut butter are nourishing options to banish your yen for sweets.

BRUSH! BRUSH! BRUSH!: Of course, brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and rinsing immediately after eating sweets is your best bet for keeping away tooth decay. At the very least, carry around dental picks so you can do a quick cleaning at holiday parties.

Knowing what candies are the bad elves during the holidays, you can plan your strategy for enjoying sweet treats during the festive season. The important thing is that you start the new year with a sweet smile.

At Smiles For Health, we offer wellness services so you can smile with confidence. Call today to schedule your appointment!