As a dentist, Dr. Khanna understands the detrimental effects that too much sugar can have on a patient’s oral health: increased tooth decay, cavities, etc. As sugar has become an increasingly large part of our modern diet, Dr. Khanna has also seen an increase in these sugar related dental health issues, especially in younger patients.
This increase in sugar consumption can also have lasting adverse effects on overall health in two important ways:
– dental problems: left untreated, decay can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss;
– physical problems: such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, nutrition deficits.
With a single can of soda typically containing over 130 calories – or 8 teaspoons- of sugar, it is easy to exceed the American Heart Association daily recommended allowances of sugar! Added sugars are ingrained in our diet of processed food, making it difficult for patients to monitor their daily intake. Our fast paced daily lives make it easy for us to become overly dependent on these processed sugars as a source of quick energy, but they are empty calories and can be the cause of long term health issues when consumed excessively.
Reducing and limiting added sugars is important for both oral and overall health and can be accomplished with dietary changes. Here are some quick tips:
-swap out a soda for a glass of water;
-instead of a sugary snack like cookies, choose fruit, nuts or yogurt;
-cut down the amount of sugar used in recipes for baked goods;
-reduce the amount of sugar added to coffee or tea.
Recent studies have shown the connection between oral health and overall physical well being, reinforcing the importance of regular dental visits for cleanings and exams. During routine exams, Dr. Khanna can not only address dental problems in their early stages, but can spot changes in a patient’s oral health that may indicate a more complex physical health problem is developing. Dr. Khanna and his staff take the time with patients to discuss their oral health concerns as well as recommend effective at home oral hygiene to help maintain oral health between visits.
A healthy mouth is part of a healthy life! Contact Dr. Khanna at his Geneva dental office and schedule an appointment today.