Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

If your home is filled with holiday candy remnants, leftover chocolate and other sugary treats, it may be time to break out the New Year’s resolutions. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying desserts in moderation, remember that too much sugar can wreak havoc on your figure, your energy levels and your teeth. If conquering your sweet tooth feels like a futile battle, though, keep these tips in mind.

1. Modify your habits. When you’re craving something sweet, replace the apple pie with a sliced apple—sprinkled with cinnamon and a natural sweetener like stevia.
2. Exchange snacking for activity. The truth is many of us head to the pantry when we’re bored—not hungry. When you get the urge to munch on sugary foods, try taking a walk, calling a friend or engaging in a hobby. If you’re still hungry, opt for a healthy fruit or a few pieces of antioxidant-containing dark chocolate.
3. Reduce your caffeine intake. While coffee, tea and soda become our go-to staples for staying awake, they can also make you jittery and stressed. Stress, in turn, often increases the urge for sugary foods.
4. Drink plenty of water. Many of us mistake thirst for hunger, since we tend to fill up on caffeinated beverages rather than giving our bodies the water they require.
5. Don’t deprive yourself. As we mentioned, moderation is the key—and when you’re craving chocolate, it’s doubtful that a serving of veggies will do the trick. Allowing yourself small treats throughout the week will help ward off harmful feelings of deprivation and depression.

And, as always, remember to brush your teeth after enjoying an occasional dessert. Sugar can be toxic for your tooth enamel, and lead to dental caries and tooth sensitivity. In addition, the pits and grooves in your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay—so ask your Boston dentist about sealants for your children and yourself. 

If your sweet tooth has gotten the best of you this holiday season, it may be time to visit the experts at Smile and Skin for your annual checkup, x-rays and comprehensive cleaning. Call 781-893-7500 to schedule your appointment or inquire about insurance coverage and out-of-pocket visit fees.

And Happy New Year, from the Smile and Skin team!