Christmas is heaven for those of you with a sweet tooth!  by Nancy Graham RDH

On a daily basis I pretty much like most things sweet like chocolate, ice cream, soda and cookies, and if it isn't sweet I put flavored creamer in my coffee, vanilla soy milk with my cereal, honey in my tea, and sugar on my grapefruit. Sound familiar?

Christmas is a time when people send sweets as gifts to their family and friends to show their love and affection. Homemade Christmas cookies, candy, chocolate desserts and cranapple french toast...well you get the picture, our taste buds love sweets.

Sugar is everywhere and it tempts us everyday of the year. Sugar consumption is responsible for the increase in obesity, diabetes, and other fatal diseases, including cancer. A constant sugar attack on our teeth is the main cause of tooth decay in children and adults.

If you want to do something to kick the sweet tooth habit start slowly to reduce your sugar addiction by reducing and eventually eliminating sugar from your diet. Read the labels on the foods that you are purchasing from the grocery store, because there may be hidden sugars in processed and ready made foods. Remineralize tooth enamel routinely with fluoride. Even though toothpaste contains fluoride, sometimes it is not enough for preventing cavities. For children and adults, GFD offers a fluoride varnish treatment at every checkup appointment. Also, a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is available to purchase for your use at home.

At your next visit to GFD, ask your friendly Dental Hygienist which fluoride is best for you.