![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lakeoconeedentalblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/sugarlabel1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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<\/p>HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOU CONSUMING EACH DAY?<\/strong> Do you know? In many countries, the average can be well over 20 teaspoons per day! Sugar can be a major contributor to tooth decay. Here at our practice<\/strong>, we\u2019re interested in talking about every topic that affects both your oral and overall health.\nIt\u2019s Not JUST About Avoiding \u201cSweets\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\nHere are 5 easy ways to get a better handle on your sugar intake:\n
1. Read Labels<\/h4>There\u2019s added sugar lurking in places you would have never guessed.<\/strong> \u201cHealthy\u201d cereals, ketchup, chips, and even spaghetti sauces can have tons of sugar. Be sure to watch the video below to learn how to equate grams of sugar into teaspoons. Also,<\/strong> watch for words like dextrose, sucrose, malted barley extract, and corn syrup when reading the ingredients list.\n
2. Beware Of Pseudo-Healthy Traps<\/h4>\nYou may assume<\/em> that you\u2019re eating healthier with that energy bar, smoothie, or yogurt. That may not be true. Take a careful look at the nutritional facts and sugar content before you make such things a routine staple.\n
The Info In This Video Is Great<\/strong><\/h3>\nThis video from the community partnership, Smile Kentucky!, is somewhat directed toward kids\u2014but the information is important for everyone! Enjoy and learn!<\/strong>
3. Watch What You\u2019re Drinking<\/h4>\nHalf of your sugar intake may be in the things you drink. A major offender is soda pop, but be careful of fruit juices too<\/strong>.\n
4. Find Easy Alternatives<\/h4>\nEveryone\u2019s tastes and lifestyles are so different, so experiment until you find YOUR OWN solution. Sweet tooth in the evening?<\/strong> For you, it may work best to satisfy the craving with a tiny piece of dark chocolate (eaten without guilt), and then promise yourself to brush your teeth immediately afterwards and not eat anything else before bedtime. Afternoon munchies?<\/strong> Cut up a bunch of easy-to-eat raw vegetables at the beginning of the week and keep them handy in the fridge for snacking. Also, drink more water! Sometimes (believe it or not) you think<\/em> you\u2019re hungry\u2014but in reality, you\u2019re thirsty. A tall glass of water can get you past a craving.<\/strong>
5. Cut Back On Starches, Snack Foods And Bread<\/h4>\nBoth sugar and starch are carbohydrates. They both break down into sugars, and they both can promote tooth decay.\n
We hope you find these ideas helpful!<\/strong><\/h3>\nRemember that by cutting back on sugar, you can better stave off obesity, diabetes, and of course, cavities!<\/strong> What\u2019s good for your body is good for your teeth too!\n\nDo you have any tips of your own for minimizing sugar?<\/strong> We\u2019d love to hear them. Share them below in the comments section or on our Facebook<\/strong> page. Thank you for being our valued patient!<\/strong>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOU CONSUMING EACH DAY?<\/strong> In many countries, the average can be... (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":805,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n