Following on from our previous blog about hidden sugars, let's delve into some practical steps you can take to avoid tooth decay.
 

Sugar Savvy:
 

• Limit sugary treats: This one might seem obvious, but it's the cornerstone of preventing cavities. If you have a sweet tooth, focus on indulging in sugary foods and drinks only during mealtimes. This minimizes the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day.
• Ditch the between-meal snacks: Sugary snacks are a double whammy for your teeth. Not only are they high in sugar, but the frequent snacking exposes your teeth to acid for longer periods. Opt for healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, or sugar-free yogurt.
• Neutralize with sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals or sugary drinks can be a great way to increase saliva flow. Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize harmful acids in your mouth, protecting your teeth from decay.

Stay tuned!

We'll be continuing our series on dental prevention with future articles offering more handy tips to keep your smile healthy and bright.

One of the main causes of tooth decay is sugar in the diet. Not only is the amount of sugar a critical factor but also the frequency of consumption. However, some foods which you may think to be safe and sugar free contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar.

For example, did you know that a good dollop of tomato ketchup contains 1 teaspoon of sugar. The same is also for brown sauce. Half a tin of baked beans contains 2 teaspoons full of sugar. The list goes on. It is worthwhile looking on the labels of all foods to check the amount of sugar. Make sure to look for glucose, sucrose, lactose, fructose as these are all sugars.

If you would like a list of the amount of sugar in everyday foods, please ask us and we will send you a copy. There are tips and techniques to neutralise the effect that sugar has on teeth and gums. We will discuss these in upcoming articles.

A new study to be published by the University of California has revealed that women who regularly visit their dentist could reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems by up to one third. The Health Economics journal reported the research, which focused on general dental care rather than specific treatments. Most studies so far have focussed on the link bewteen gum disease and heart disease. See leading author Timothy Brown comments here. 

Last month, the British Dental Health Foundation warned that gum disease could be a much bigger problem than previously thought and stressed that people need to be made more aware of the condition. At Progressive Dentistry we stress the importance of regular visits to the dentist and hygienist. This is the only way that we can monitor your oral health and address any isssues at an early stage to prevent disease from progressing. With the growing body of evidence that links poor oral health to poor general health, this has never been so important. Our membership plan is designed with prevention in mind and is an excellent method of regular monitoring. It is also excellent value for money with many perks included!