How to Curb a Sweet Tooth
Sweets can help with a sugar craving; however, hard candies are tough and chewy, sticking to your teeth and resulting in tooth decay. A block of chocolate is surprisingly better than hard candies because it’s easy to chew and washes away effortlessly.
What is a Sweet Tooth?
A sweet tooth refers to the heightened craving for sugary foods. Sweet foods may provide the following:
Extra Energy
Historically, human ancestors evolved from being hunter-gatherers to eating a more diverse array of meals. They feasted on meat and plant-based diets for fuel. They went on to discover the benefits of a sugar hit. Eating sugary food can help you do more and get things done faster.
Dopamine Hit
Foods with an unpleasant, spicy or bitter taste are more than unsavoury to the human palate. A human brain jolts your fight-or-flight responses when triggered by unpleasant tastes. Your brain registers this as cause for alarm and can make you swing between a spectrum of emotions. However, sweet food makes everyone feel much better, especially after a long day or a bad time. Sugar rewards the brain by triggering dopamine – the feel-good hormone.
Natural Pacifier
Have you ever seen a parent reach for the nearest sweet or candy to hush a crying toddler? Or do you remember that being done to you as a child? It is not advisable or highly recommended, but it works. Sweets are notorious for getting a child to behave as desired. Adults use sweets to condition children. Sweets can be a reward, whereas withholding a treat can be used as punishment.
Food Options
Most people enjoy having a colourful menu to look forward to throughout the week. The most fortunate families get multiple-course meals at home or when they go out for a special occasion. Who doesn’t like dessert? Sweet foods make every event a party. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you probably cannot have a good time with a sugary treat.
All that considered, sugary foods are like a double-sided coin. On the other side, scores of people everywhere suffer the inability to indulge due to the exacerbated pain that follows a sweet bite. That occurs due to tooth cavities, sensitivity or decay. Not every sweet tooth can escape this pain.
Why Can Sugar Hurt Your Teeth?
You may bite into your favourite treat only for it to betray you. Rather than sugary deliciousness, you get immediate, sharp, eye-watering pain. Sugary foods can trigger cavities and hypersensitivity. Pain due to this condition is more commonly caused by consuming hot or cold things. But it can also be caused by eating sweet stuff. How does sugar do this?
It helps to break down your tooth’s anatomy. Teeth have three main layers:
- The outer layer of hard enamel
- An inner layer of pulp with blood vessels and nerves
- A layer of dentin between the pulp and the enamel
Dentin is quite hard, but unlike enamel, it is porous, meaning substances can pass through it. Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with fluid. This fluid runs from the pulp to the underside of the enamel.
You need your tooth enamel the most.
Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it suffers the most damage. When you grind your teeth, have cavities, or drink lots of acidic sodas – you eat away at your enamel. The dentin and its tubules become vulnerable. The excess sweet stuff exposes your dentin to inflammation.
That is also why brushing your teeth twice daily, limiting processed sugar consumption and rinsing with mouthwash is vital. Try to reinforce your enamel over time to reduce discomfort and pain.
If your sweet tooth causes you agony, consult your nearest Affinity Dental dentist.
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What are Healthier Options for a Sweet Tooth?
It is always best to face your unique circumstances one-on-one. Sugar should not be cut out of your life – your body still needs to function. Rather than replacing everything with diet or sugar-free options, enjoy your holidays in moderation. You can still have a great time with any of the following sweet food options:
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Dairy.
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Vegetables.
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Fruits.
When you enjoy holiday treats, you can still stay healthy.
- Do you like ice cream? Swap the chocolate-covered decadence for a frozen banana.
- Frozen bananas add a thick and creamy consistency to smoothies and shakes.
- You will reduce the sugar and fat content you consume. Plus, you’ll boost your essential minerals and nutrients – that keeps gums healthy too!
- Potassium from bananas will give you energy.
Bananas are your best friend!
Life is about striking a healthy balance between fun and taking care of essential things, like our teeth. When you outgrow your milk teeth, you only have one set of pearly whites to take care of for life.
It is essential to learn how to make healthy choices. Indulging in your favourite treats now and then is okay. But nutritionists vouch for the 80/20 rule:
Stick to healthier options 80% of the time.
Choose the treats that you want to have 20% of the time.
Bananas mix very well with:
- Dark chocolate
- Crunchy peanut butter
- Nuts in general
- Seeds
- Oats
- Protein powder
- Greek yoghurt
- Rice cakes
- Decaffeinated coffee
Avoid baked goods, biscuits, processed goods, candy, chocolates and fizzy drinks.
Remember: Organic sugars are good for you. It is essential to practise good daily hygiene habits.
Learn More: Foods That are Bad for Your Teeth
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