List Of Food Items To Fight Sugar Cravings

Do you have the habit of eating something sweet after every meal? Do you find it difficult to curb the feeling of eating the dessert or have the habit of drinking sugar-filled drinks daily? If your answer to both the questions is yes, you are not alone. Consuming sugary foods daily not only hampers your oral health but can negatively impact your overall well-being. Consequently, you may experience tooth decay, cavities, and whatnot. And if the situation worsens, your dentist might suggest full mouth reconstruction to you. Whatever may be the case, it is always advisable to keep your sugar cravings under control and visit your dentist twice a year for a regular oral checkup. It helps make dental treatment easy if you encounter any problems. 

Moving further, what is the solution to stave off unhealthy sugar cravings and prevent dental problems? Here we have come up with food items that can help fight sugar cravings. 

First things first, what are the factors responsible for causing sugar cravings?

There is not only one factor that causes sugar cravings but many. Some of them are – 

Dehydration – It happens many times that you feel you are hungry, but actually, you are thirsty. And many people used to give way to munch on unnecessary things when actually they needed to drink water to get rid of the cravings.  

Hormonal changes – The craving for sugar in women happens as a result of hormonal changes, including estrogen and estradiol. When the woman is menstruating, the levels of estradiol increase which is linked to the food cravings. One study found that women with high levels of estradiol in the luteal phase had an increase in sugar cravings. That is why you must have heard that women tend to have cravings for chocolate when they are in their menstrual cycle. 

Poor diet – Having a poor diet can also result in sugar cravings. For instance, if you consume carbohydrates and healthy fats in a larger amount or eat more processed foods, you are more likely to experience increased cravings, which can have devastating effects on your gut health. Moreover, it will also hamper your oral health, which you don’t want, right? 

List of foods to keep your sugar cravings at bay

You don’t want the sugar cravings to hinder your health goals. So, here are some food items that can help regulate your blood sugar levels so that you can steer clear of your sugar cravings. 

Berries – Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are regarded as one of the best food items you can eat when you crave sugar. It comes under low-glycemic fruits. This is the reason you can get the sweetness you want without elevating your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the high fiber content in berries makes you feel fuller for a long time, and at the same time, it improves your insulin sensitivity. So, you can consume this rich source of fiber whenever you have sugar cravings.  

Chia seeds – Don’t underestimate the small size of chia seeds as they are rich in nutritional profile. They have termed the powerhouse to keep your sugar cravings under control. Being the richest source of omega-three fatty acids, eating chia seeds with yogurt is the best combination to keep your sugar cravings at bay. 

Oats – A rich source of soluble fiber, oats help reduce your glucose levels and keep your sugar craving in check. If you are thinking of buying processed oatmeal packets, stop right there. Always eat old-fashioned oats. 

Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds have a higher content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that is helpful in fighting sugar cravings. You can consume sesame seeds with your meal to bring enjoyment to your food. 

Beans and lentils – If you are looking for fibers and proteins, nothing can beat lentils and beans. You can take lentils with rice and add beans to soup to curb your sugar cravings.

Coconut oil – Coconut oil is helpful if you want to increase your satiety and balance your blood sugar level. But keep in mind to use it in moderation as it contains saturated fat. You can also consider using olive oil as it contains monounsaturated fats, which are helpful in controlling your blood cholesterol level.  

Sweet potatoes – Your body needs a proper amount of vitamins and minerals for nutrition. Sweet potatoes are effective means to add vitamins and minerals to your diet. It is also a good source of fiber which reduces hunger levels and combats sugar cravings. 

Takeaway

You cannot avoid all the sugars in your diet. But always focus on making healthy food choices. You can rely on emergency dentist Mckinney Tx if you face any dental problems due to your sugar intake. Don’t forget to consider which food items you are putting inside your mouth and body. Because sooner or later, your body will show the effects of the things you eat. So, it is time to curb your sugar cravings and eat healthily. 

Why Should We Take Care Of Our Oral Health After Aging?

Prioritizing teeth cleaning and dental hygiene as people become older. The prevailing belief is that tooth loss is unavoidable as people age. It is incorrect. Your teeth and smile may last a lifetime if properly cared for. Natural wear and tear can cause gums to recede and expose teeth to decay even if there are no known medical issues. The size of the mouth changes as people age, and tooth nerves shrink, making teeth less sensitive to decay and other dental disorders. It is essential to consult the dentists McKinney, TX. Strong teeth also allow for proper food absorption through enhanced eating and digestion, which leads to fewer comorbidities and a longer lifetime.

Even in their older years, people may maintain strong teeth by following a regular tooth and mouth care program with the help of a dentist. First, let's understand some of the importance of oral health!

What is The Significance of Oral Health?

The link between the mouth and the rest of the body can lead to a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus affects the blood flow to teeth, resulting in gum disease, raising the body's insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels. Complete or partial tooth loss directly influences an aged person's eating habits, health, and emotional well-being since they impact aesthetics and food consumption. "Gerodontology" is the discipline of dentistry that specifies the conditions, detection, and treatment of dental issues in the elderly.

What Are the Concerns about Oral Health in Seniors?

The typical dental health disorders that demand greater attention as you get older are outlined below.

  • Gum Diseases - As people become older, their gums recede more, making the tooth root more prone to cavities. Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are the first signs of this illness, which leads to tooth loss. Tooth decay occurs as teeth break down with age, making them more vulnerable to caries-causing microorganisms. You may avoid it by regularly practising proper oral hygiene and seeing the dentist.

  • Tooth Discolouration - Tooth discolouration can be caused by changes in outer tooth structure and long-term ingestion of stain-causing foods and drinks. It might signify a more severe disease needing expert dental cleaning if you have black teeth.

  • Dry mouth - It is caused by aging and certain drugs, chronic conditions, and long-term denture wear. A dry mouth also increases the chance of tooth decay. Consult a dentist about restoring moisture to your mouth, and ask your doctor about finding a drug or dose that won't dry it out. Diseases, medications, and dentures can contribute to a diminished sense of taste or loss of taste sensation as people get older.

  • Tooth Loss– If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss later.

  • Uneven jaw bone - Missing teeth should be replaced within three to six months. Otherwise, adjacent teeth will shift into vast space, causing difficulties chewing and an uneven jaw bone.

  • Sensitive Teeth - Sensitive teeth are an age-related dental disease caused by gum recession and decreased tooth structure. If you are exposed to hot, cold, or sweet meals, use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. It's not only about the aged person sometimes; eating chocolates causes sensitivity in kids for that. Consult pediatric dentistry McKinney if the condition persists since it might suggest a more severe issue such as tooth breakage or decay.

  • Denture-related issues – Poor dental hygiene and ill-fitting dentures encourage the growth of Candida albicans. The fungus produces redness or swelling behind the denture and increases the risk of oral cancer.

  • Oral Cancer - Oral cancer is more frequent in older adults. Routine dental check-ups can screen for oral cancer, even if discomfort is not generally an early indicator. Even if you don't have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly. Thrush is an oral fungal illness caused by Candida albicans overgrowth in the mouth of elderly adults with weakened immune systems. It takes the form of a white, high growth that resembles cottage cheese. It can cause oral discomfort and irritation when it becomes inflamed.

Influence of Other Diseases

Other disorders that often affect elderly persons can affect oral health as well. Caregivers for such individuals must check their oral health and maintain appropriate dental hygiene. Osteoporosis is another prevalent condition that causes the body's bones to lose density. Teeth might become loose as bone density in the jaw bone declines.

What Are The Oral Care Advice for Seniors?

Just though older people are more prone to specific dental health problems does not indicate they will develop them in the future. Several basic dental practices are required to maintain excellent oral health. Let's talk about the two most important points:

Be Aware of Medication Side Effects - Some medicines might cause oral health problems, including dry mouth and changed taste sensations. If you're taking medication, pay attention to how your mouth changes and contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Regularly see your dentist - Denture wearers should visit their dentist every six months to have their mouth, teeth, and gums examined to avoid possible oral health problems.

To Sum It Up!

At any age, good oral hygiene practices, frequent dentist appointments, and adapting your routine as your body changes may maintain your smile bright and healthy.

Practices That Can Damage Your Teeth And Affect Your Smile

You use your teeth every time you relish the mouth-watering dishes or talk with your friends. Teeth are an integral part of your overall well-being. It helps you chew the food properly, speak properly and give proper shape to your face. You brush and floss your teeth to keep them intact. However, there are still some bad habits that you might be following which can affect your pearly whites. Let’s know in detail the top habits that can damage your teeth and affect your smile. 

Meanwhile, you can search “dentist in McKinney Tx” to learn more about oral hygiene and treatment for the same. 

Grinding teeth – Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can negatively impact your teeth. It would not be an issue if you have the habit of mild teeth grinding in the daytime. But chronic teeth grinding at night can cause complications if not treated timely. It can result in excessive wear of the enamel, chipped teeth, headaches, earaches, and more. Wearing a nightguard helps a lot when it comes to preventing the problem of bruxism. It will act as a cushion against grinding forces. You may also need additional treatment to stop this habit depending upon the cause of teeth grinding.  

Chewing on Ice or Hard objects – Chewing on ice can erode your teeth' enamel. With this erosion, your teeth become more susceptible to decay. It also results in tooth sensitivity, and your teeth may even look yellow. The main culprit behind all these things is chewing on ice, fingernails, or other hard objects. It is advisable not to put any object in your mouth. It may introduce germs or injure the soft tissues of your mouth. 

Consuming starchy food items – Your mouth needs sugars and starches for the bacteria to feed on carbohydrates. The bacteria in your mouth release acids that have the power to leach minerals from the tooth enamel. Frequent acid attacks are one of the major causes of tooth decay. As the situation worsens, tooth decay forms the hole in the tooth, which results in giving rise to the cavity.

Starchy food items like potato chips contain carbohydrates that get stuck in the teeth. But people keep on eating this as a snacking item the most. You can go to eat a scoop of ice cream rather than potato chips. Why? It does not take much time to eat ice cream, and it rinses off the teeth easily. 

Not wearing a mouthguard while playing sports – If you love to play sports, it becomes more important to wear a mouthguard while playing sport or doing any physical activity. It was found that innumerable dental injuries occur during the games of basketball and baseball, where the players are mostly seen not wearing mouthguards. The dental injuries include chipped teeth, fractured teeth, or broken jaw. You may have to get a dental implant to treat the same if the injury is severe or you need replacement teeth. You can search “dental implants near me” to find out the dentist near you. 

Wear a mouth guard to steer clear of these injuries. It becomes especially important if you have braces as an injury can damage the wires of your braces, and you may end up facing extensive trauma to your mouth. 

Drinking energy drinks or soft drinks – It is safe to drink soda in moderation but do not drink it too much as it is one of the worst drinks for your teeth, containing a large amount of sugar. Soda contains citric acid, which can cause your teeth to erode. Sugar and acid fuel the process of tooth decay. You may be thinking of drinking diet soda. But it is still not a good option. Moreover, there was a study on enamel dissolution that found that there is no difference between beverages of the regular and diet versions of the same brand. Out of everything in the world, the best beverage is to drink plain water. Thus, avoid drinking energy drinks or soft drinks.  

Brushing your teeth immediately after eating something acidic – The timing of brushing your teeth matters whenever you eat something acidic. Do not immediately brush your teeth after eating. Brush your teeth before having breakfast, morning coffee, or something acidic. If you feel like brushing after consuming the food items, wait for an hour or so to brush again.

To sum it up!

Start taking small steps to get rid of bad habits and gain good ones in order to keep your teeth healthy. Furthermore, take out some time twice a year to go for a regular dental checkup. You will receive your full oral examination along with teeth cleaning and can know about the tooth problems at an early stage. It is time to stop practicing these damaging habits and start making your teeth and smile healthier than ever before. 

 

How To Prevent Thumb Sucking In Kids?

Thumb sucking is commonly found in children. However, if it goes longer than normal, it becomes a cause of worry for the parents. Being a concerned parent, you can take a few steps to prevent the thumb-sucking habit of your child. We will put light on those aspects. Meanwhile, you can search “Invisalign tx,” “thumb sucking habit,” or “thumb sucking treatment” to know more.  

First Things First, Does Thumb-Sucking Really Damage Their Teeth?

Many parents are of the notion that thumb sucking can bring damaging results to the teeth of the children. But this is not always the case. For instance – holding the thumb in the mouth passively is not at all bad. However, if your kid makes a lot of motion while thumb sucking, their primary teeth are in danger. This problem usually goes away once the permanent teeth start coming. 

But if your child is persistent and does vigorous thumb sucking, it may also lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth. You can search “dental implants near me” to find the solution to the misalignment and to find the best dentist near you. Moreover, thumb-sucking can negatively affect the jaw or shape of the mouth. It can also result in exposing your children to bacteria and viruses. 

What Are The Risks Of Thumb Sucking?

Vigorous thumb sucking may lead to – 

  • Overbite

  • Bite issues like the top and bottom teeth are finding it difficult to meet after closing the mouth, or bottom teeth going inward towards the backside of the mouth.

  • Affects the jaw shape, alignment of the teeth, and speaking abilities. 

These issues are easy to handle if the habit of thumb sucking goes away by the time permanent teeth are in. But if your child continues to bite their teeth, you may need to consult a dentist. 

What To Do If You Notice Bite Issues In Their Teeth?

Start taking your child to the dentist for regular dental visits by the time they are one year of age. If you find any damage to their teeth later on, you can always rely on the pediatric dentist to talk about the same. Permanent teeth start coming once the child is six years of age. But they might face some issues in their mouth before that time. So, it is always good to consult a dentist timely. 

What’s Normal? 

When the child is small, it is totally normal for them to suck their thumbs with regard to their age and the intensity of the habit. Furthermore, a growing child puts the object and fingers in their mouth to explore and understand the world. It is found that children often get rid of this behavior themselves by the age of 4. But if it continues for a long period, your child may experience palate issues, speech problems, or a misaligned bite. 

So, How To Prevent Them From Doing So? 

Find out thumb sucking triggers – Some children suck their thumbs when they are bored, tired, or hungry. If you are noticing these triggers, try to find out the cause of their tiredness or anxiety so that you can address them. You can try engaging them in the activities for which they have to use their hands, like playing catch or making drawings. 

Gentle reminders – If your child is unaware of their thumb-sucking habit, you can gently remind them to stop. You can do this every time your child puts a thumb in their mouth. But it only works if your child really wants to stop the habit of thumb sucking. 

A pediatric dentist may help – A pediatric dentist may talk to your child and inform them about the damage your children might be doing to their teeth. 

Orthodontic device – Orthodontic devices come in removable and non-removable forms to help children keep their thumb-sucking habits at bay. A dentist will help determine the suitable device for your child.

Thumb sucking versus pacifiers – Many parents think of getting a pacifier for their child to replace their thumb-sucking habit. If you are doing the same, you are doing more harm than good to your child. Pacifiers also have the same ability as thumb sucking to damage their teeth. Additionally, pacifiers can also fall to the ground, making them filled with germs. So, it is best not to give your children a pacifier and take other necessary steps to stop their thumb-sucking habit. 

To Sum It Up

Thumb sucking is common in all children. In fact, it begins before birth. It typically goes away on its own. But it can sometimes damage the teeth of your children, especially if they are more than four years old. So, start taking steps to reduce their habit of thumb-sucking and inculcate healthy oral hygiene habits in them. Besides, never forget to take your child to the pediatric dentist after the age of one for regular dental checkups. It will not only help keep your children’s thumb-sucking habit at bay, but they will also learn to maintain their mouth and teeth in a healthy manner. 

Busting Common Myths About Bad Breath!

We live in an era where our minds suffer from information overload. And this information is sometimes not even credible. While we can easily ignore the myths about everyday things, doing so in case of oral health will cause us a big problem. 

After waking up or eating your meals, you can often sense your foul breath. While there can be many reasons for it, people tend to fall prey to the common myths. Here, trusting the causes may not harm you but never adopt any solution. You must always seek a dentist's help in such cases, just like you do in full mouth reconstruction. Before drifting away from the topic, let us bust some common myths about bad breath.

Myths About Bad Breath

It's undeniable that bad breath is unpleasant; nobody likes to suffer from it. It makes you conscious and feels awkward during social interactions. Bad breath takes away your confidence to effectively communicate your emotions, feelings, and messages. But, hey, you're not alone! It is a common issue, and many people suffer from it daily. You may take help from search engines to find the natural causes behind it, and with luck, you will get the correct result. 

However, how will you find which information is trustworthy? Here we bring you five common misinformation spread about bad breath. So, let's get some facts straight!

Myth 1. Bad breath is the result of foods we eat

The answer is both yes and no. you may have come across people telling you to avoid eating onion or garlic before a meeting or probably a date, as these can cause your clients and partner to feel discomfort with the garlic food you eat. And, trust us, nobody wants to smell what you ate. But, the effect of the strong smell of onion and garlic is temporary. Sometimes, even without these foods, you usually get accustomed to chronic bad breath, which is a cause of bacteria accumulation at the back of the tongue. That's why it is always suggested to focus on all crucial points of your mouth, teeth, and tongue.

Myth 2. I can identify when I have bad breath.

Very rarely. Cupping your hands between your nose and mouth may not accurately give you an idea about bad breath every time. Because it originates in the backside of the mouth and is released forwards when you open your mouth so, try asking for help from a friend or family who can test if you have bad breath or not.

Myth 3. Our stomach is to be blamed

Not exactly. Occasionally, it can be a result of some gastrointestinal problems. However, studies show that around 85% of foul breath issues result from sulfur-producing bacteria on our tongues. That's why we again advise you to clean your tongue with a scraper.

Myth 4. I brush daily, so I can't have bad breath.

It would have been good if that was the case. However, brushing regularly and efficiently are two distinct things, and the technique mainly determines the result. So make sure you brush two times daily and with the correct method. 

Myth 5. A rinse with mouthwash can control my bad breath.

Mouthwashes can be an excellent option to check on germs and bacteria that cause bad breath. However, some food particles may keep stuck in different parts of your mouth. Only proper brushing can remove these stubborn particles.

These were some common myths about bad breath. Now, let's understand the actual reasons behind bad breath.

Actual Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can happen for numerous reasons, but it starts with the accumulation of sulfur-producing bacteria that hide under the surface of your tongue. Many reasons contribute to it, such as poor oral hygiene, gum diseases, tooth decay, and food stuck between your teeth. There are other contributors too, which are probably less common, like:

  • Dry mouth - It is Also known as xerostomia, where your mouth produces less saliva than required.

  • Gastrointestinal problems - A condition where stomach bacteria produce odor

  • Breaking down of fat - A situation where your body breaks down fat and releases foul-smelling acids

Tips For Good Oral Hygiene

Nevertheless, it all starts and ends with oral hygiene. So maintain a good dental care routine to keep your breath fresh. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that:

Brushing regularly

Everyone must brush their teeth at least twice a day, or in some instances, after a meal. Also, note the type of food you consume, as brushing after acidic foods and drinks can make your tooth enamel vulnerable.

Change your toothbrush 

Using the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months can reduce its efficacy, so try replacing your old toothbrush with a new one. Also, make it a habit to change it every three months.

Clean your tongue

Many people think oral hygiene is limited to tooth brushing only, but it is not the case. To keep your teeth healthy, clean and brush your tongue because food particles and bacteria hiding under your tongue don't go away with just brushing your teeth.

Extra tips

The above three tips can surely help you; however, some extra tips will only add to the positives of your oral hygiene. Read below:

  • Clean in between your teeth to remove trapped food, and use dental floss.

  • After brushing, rinse with a mouthwash.

  • Cut down on caffeine, smoke, tobacco, alcohol, etc.

  • Drink a sufficient amount of water.

Bottomline!

All these tips can help you maintain fresh breath, but try consulting valley creek dental care if bad breath persists. In many cases, people are unaware of underlying dental issues like tooth decay, so it is best to seek a dentist's help. As far as bad breath is concerned, it is common and manageable. You need to be more aware of your consumption and hygiene. If you need more information regarding oral health, visit our website.