8 Ways to Cut Down on Sugar

Sugar is a nation wide addiction. Should you want to kick the habit, we can offer you 8 ways to cut down on sugar.

We don’t expect people to cut it out entirely. Sugar is hard to escape these days. But, there are ways to skirt around it without eating too much. Not only will your teeth thank you, your general health will benefit too!

1. Sugar by any other name is still sugar.

We may only think of sugar in the way we see it usually. The white powder we put in tea. However, sugar comes in many forms. It can go by many names and recognising them is the first step to avoiding them. There are too many to list but some to look out for are; sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses, hydrolysed starch and corn syrup. Avoid these more regularly and you’ll be doing yourself a favour. One of the best ways to cut down on sugar is to actively avoid it where you can.

2. Have a better breakfast.

Breakfast cereals can be loaded with sugar. Switching out for a lower sugar cereal or one with no added sugar, and not adding any yourselves, will have a massive impact on your dental health and your health overall. Filling up at breakfast time is also a great way to avoid those unhealthy snacks throughout the day.

3. Fat free is not trouble free.

Fat free can sometimes mean more sugar. While you think you’re going for a healthier option by choosing something that is fat free, you are actually opting for something which may still contain high levels of sugars in the form of fructose or refined sugar. One of the best ways to cut down on sugar is to look out for the traffic light system when you’re doing your shopping.

4. Snack right

You’re halfway through the morning and you want a snack. We’ve all been there most days. Instead of chocolate or biscuits, try a handful of nuts. They will provide that energy boost you need. Therefore, you’re avoiding the sugary hit and getting a healthy snack all at once.

5. Eat Fresh

Smoothies are great, we get to take in a bunch of fruit at once and they taste good. But, by smashing up a banana and strawberry into a smoothie it releases the sugars. They are then able to coat the whole tooth, even in the tiny gaps, eating them whole helps to avoid this problem. Also avoid dried fruit as their stickiness makes them prone to cling to gaps and that could cause problems in the long run.

6. Early Beds!

Being a night owl can spell bed news for our mouth and this is all down to routine. People who stay up late are more likely to skip brushing before bed and with the added midnight snacking this could spell disaster for our teeth. We can’t snack when were asleep so getting an early night might be a good idea.

7. Don’t Skip Breakfast!

Skipping breakfast is a sure fire way to end up snacking. Instead of reaching for a sugary treat to satisfy your hunger, make the time to have a fulfilling breakfast before you go in the morning! Having a healthy, nutritious breakfast is one of the best ways to cut down on sugar. This will mean you won’t crave snacks later on.

8. Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks account for 11% of the UK population’s daily intake of added sugar. Whether it’s that pint of cider, glass of prosecco or even a little G&T the sugar in them can have a huge impact on our oral health. Try to moderate the amount of alcoholic drinks you have and also have some water nearby to help wash down your tipple of choice. It helps wash some of the sugar from the mouth and our head will thank you the next day too.

Do you have any tips for avoiding excess sugar intake? If you do let us know in the comments below!

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