Eat Junk food? Don’t Let It Eat You!

Eat Junk food? Don’t Let It Eat You!

Did you Know?

We are finally in the summer solstice and boy, does it come hot! What better ways to cool down than to hit the beach and go for a swim, the splash pads and water parks, and of course those tasty ice cream treats for after! You make sure that your freezer is stacked with icy treats to keep the kids (and maybe yourself) sweetly cool. Those delicious smoothie recipes are definitely on top of the list!

As your Mississauga dental team, we understand that indulging in some cool treats is one of the perks of hot summer days. We love our ice cream too! July has more than ten dedicated days that celebrate all sorts of junk food; National Strawberry Sundae Day, Peach Ice Cream Day, National Chocolate Day, and even includes National Junk Food Day on July 21^st, which is the same day as National Ice Cream Day. And while these especially bizarre days only come once a year, it’s easy to over indulge and soak in all that sugar along with the sun.

Although cavities are not directly caused by sugar, the acids created by the bacteria in your mouth that feed off the sugar are the culprits. The more sugar you feed those bacteria, the more acid they produce and heighten the risk for bacterial infections, or cavities. Did you know that a single can of coke contains a whopping 9.75 teaspoons of sugar, which is equivalent to 39 grams of sugar? The Heart & Stroke foundation advises that consumption should be kept at 10% of the total calories per day from added sugars. 5% is ideal for an average 2000 calorie a day diet. That works out to roughly 12 teaspoons or 48 grams of sugar. That is over 80% of how much sugar is recommended daily in one single can serving! A single cup of ice cream can contain around 7 teaspoons of sugar or around 28 grams. That is more than 50% of what is recommended, so it is easy to surpass your daily sugar intake if you don’t keep mindful!

And even though it is okay to have one once in a while, you may want to consider swapping a soda here and there for a more refreshing glass of water which hydrates you more than any can of soda can! A swap for frozen yogurt would also be a good alternative! Sometimes small changes can create big differences, and your taste buds won’t be able to tell the difference!

To minimize the risk of developing cavities, it is crucial to brush and floss your teeth regularly and schedule regular dental visits. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste ensures you keep your teeth plaque-free and healthy. Dental cleanings only takes a few minutes every couple months to ensure we can help you maintain your oral health. This is why it is very important to maintain regular and proper oral health so that your smile shines brighter than the sun! We at Credit River Dental strive to make sure your smile is as hot as the summer! Call us today to book your appointment today 905-278-4297!