Sugar cravings can be difficult to resist, which makes them a major disturbance when you’re trying to eat healthier or lose weight. Unfortunately, too much sugar can have negative impacts on your body, especially your teeth. To take better care of your health and avoid extra work with your dentist, discover more about why you want sugar and how to curb this craving.

Why Do You Crave Sugar?

Food cravings are driven by the pleasure, reward, and memory regions of the brain, not its need for food. The cravings can be accelerated by an imbalance of the hormones leptin and serotonin, which cause your body to desire sugar to feel pleasure. Emotions can also drive sugar cravings, especially if a person eats something sweet to feel comforted. Additionally, pregnant women may have more intense sugar cravings due to hormonal changes that can affect the way they taste and smell different foods.

Why Is Too Much Sugar Bad for You?

Sugar has several ramifications on your body, affecting everything from your weight to your oral health. Your brain becomes hooked on the quick bursts of energy and feel-good hormones sugar provides, and the more you eat, the more your body craves that same feeling, leading to overeating. Additionally, sugar creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow in your mouth. This abundance of bacteria can rot your teeth — often requiring fillings or other restorative treatments from your dentist.

How Can You Curb Cravings?

A craving is commonly misconceived as hunger, but really, it’s simply your brain calling for a reward of some sort. If you get a craving when you’re not hungry, distract your brain by engaging in an activity— physical or mental. Something as simple as going for a walk or doing a crossword puzzle can alleviate your desire for sugar. Additionally, feelings of hunger and thirst often produce the same sensations in the brain. If you feel a sugar craving coming on, drink a large glass of water to see if it reduces the craving. If you still feel hungry, consume a healthy meal instead. Keep healthy snacks such as apples and carrots stocked in your kitchen, and try to curb your hunger with these foods rather than something sweet. For larger meals, high-protein foods like meat, fish, and eggs keep you fuller longer and can help you resist junk food cravings.

If you’re worried about how sugar has affected your teeth, visit Riviera Dental Care in Foley, AL. The dentists on staff offer vital oral care services to the entire family, including preventative and restorative work. To learn more about how their team can help you take better care of your smile, visit them online. To schedule an appointment with a dentist today, call (251) 943-3368.