Hidden Addiction: The Dental Connection!

Everyone knows that it is best to cut down on the sugar that is consumed, but for many people that is easier said then done, especially since your body can develop a dependency on the substance!  Sugar is hard to avoid, even for people who don't really have a "sweet tooth."  Even if you ignore the abundant amount present where you would expect to find it, like in a pop, sugar can be hiding in many of our foods-even those that are not especially sweet. For instance, many people associate low fat salad dressings with healthy eating, but many of these items contain 10 grams of sugar per serving.

Complicating matters, not all sugars are created equal. Natural sugars that are found in foods like fruit and milk, which are in the form of fructose and lactose, have been shown to have no evidence of any adverse effects on the body from consuming these "good" sugars since they also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber.  However, added sugars are those that are included during processing and preparation of food and drinks.  These provide no nutritional benefits and can contribute to weight gain, obesity and even tooth decay! In fact, studies now show that there is an increase in the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, simply by consuming just one to two sugar-sweetened beverages per day.

So why is "kicking the sugar habit" so difficult? While it is still not fully known if sugar is actually addictive, some research has shown that sugar fires off the same reward center in the brain as cocaine!  Sugar can induce cravings and hunger that are comparable in magnitude to certain additive drugs.  Managing sugar also means managing other aspects of your diet, including portion sizes.  Gradually decreasing sugar consumption and including some protein and fiber while consuming a sugar-containing food can also help satisfy that sugar craving and help to reduce the overall sugar intake as well.

Finally, while cutting down on sugar is not impossible, it does require a conscious effort to manage. If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT