There are two types of snackers in the world: those who prefer savory treats and those who prefer sweets. It's human nature to gravitate toward the snack table when relaxing in front of the TV or attending a party. Snacking is not always easy to control, but it can be enjoyable and delicious when done properly.
Let us now get into some specifics. If you're on Team Sweets, you're aware that having a sweet tooth is a struggle that can have a negative impact on your overall and oral health. And while some people believe that chips are a better snack than candy, most chips contain acids and sugar, and some even have coatings that will remain on your pearly whites, causing oral harm.
We're just warning you that no snacker will get off lightly here. However, there is a healthy way to snack, and there are a plethora of healthy snacks available if you know where to look—which we will discuss later.
You might be surprised to learn that sugar is just as bad for baby teeth as it is for adult teeth. Continue reading to discover some fascinating facts about the sweet tooth.
Your sweet tooth might be genetic
According to recent research from the University of Copenhagen, there is a 20% chance of genetically inheriting a sweet tooth. So dipping into or emptying the cookie jar may not be your fault.
Sugar-free candy can be just as detrimental to your tooth enamel
The high acidic level in various sugar-free sweets, sports drinks, and soft drinks can be just as damaging (as non-sugar-free) to your tooth enamel, according to researchers from Melbourne University's Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre.
Chocolate is actually not the worst candy for your dental health
Everyone knows that chocolate is the goddess of sweets. That's probably why more than half of people believe chocolate is evil and bad for your health. Surprisingly, scientists have discovered that chocolate is easier to remove from your teeth than other sweets and candies. Also, dark chocolate bars contain less sugar than white chocolate and milk chocolate, so if you're craving something sweet, a dark chocolate bar might be your friend.
Science says we can control our sweet tooth even if the cause might be genetic
According to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, the brain simply wants calories that are readily available when it wants to snack, so you can definitely try to curb any sweet cravings. Make better choices for yourself, like a fresh bowl of berries.
According to The Sugar Association, snacks and drinks containing fermentable carbs (natural and added sugars) can cause cavities and tooth decay if not consumed with proper dental care. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and limit the amount of time you expose your pearly whites to fermentable carbs (via The Sugar Association).
What it boils down to is that someone with a sweet tooth will almost certainly never stop snacking. So, if you must snack, choose wisely, do so in moderation, and practice good oral hygiene. Snacking is bad for your teeth, but it's a habit that many of us don't want to give up completely, so make healthy snacking choices.
The Bottom Line
While watching what you eat and drink and cutting down on sugar is essential to keep your teeth healthy, it’s also important to practice good oral hygiene.
Brushing at least twice a day is essential for preventing cavities and tooth decay. Brushing your teeth after each meal and again before going to bed is recommended. You can further promote good oral hygiene by using fluoride-containing toothpaste, which helps protect your teeth.
Additionally, increasing saliva flow aids in the mineralization of your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum may also help to prevent plaque formation by increasing saliva production and remineralization. Finally, nothing ensures the health of your teeth and gums like visiting your dentist every six months and getting professional teeth cleaning.
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