BY DR. JOSEPH LIM
(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim)
IT’S RIGHT after New Year and who among us doesn’t have a pang of guilt leftover from all the sweet treats that we had for Christmas.
It’s not just during Yuletide that we crave for sweets. And there are many reasons why.
Here are some little-known facts about the human body’s desire for all things sweet.
For starters, or as appetizer if you will, it seems that we can’t be totally blamed for our cravings. Wanting that cake and eating it too seems to be imprinted in our DNA.
That is, sweet tooth is in our genes. Or so it seems, as suggested by a 2018 study published in the scientific journal Cell Reports: a gene produces a hormone that reacts to changes in insulin levels, so much so that the body seeks sugar.
Here’s another one: sugar-free products don’t always mean they’re healthy. Scientists at Melbourne University have found that some sugar-free drinks are highly acidic, which could erode tooth enamel and even cause cavities.
Not having candies, cakes and pastries doesn’t mean no sugar either. Remember that sugar is a carbohydrate that can be used in food that doesn’t taste sweet. So, any food that breaks down sugar can erode enamel and cause cavities.
And don’t blame just cakes and pastries and your sweet tooth. All drinks that are sweet may even be worse since liquid goes a long way into every nook and cranny of the oral cavity, including your teeth; sugar and acid combined in soft drinks make for a double whammy for your teeth.
And here’s a puzzler. Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to brush the teeth right after eating. That’s because the acid in the mouth weakens the teeth and brushing them right after eating will compromise the tooth enamel.
So relax, let the mouth’s natural wetness wash away the acid circulating in the oral cavity after meals. Then brush your teeth.
As for your sweet tooth, don’t worry. Brushing your teeth will take away the issues associated with sugar.
Or better yet, crave for and eat sensibly. Remember what Mary Poppins tell children: just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down. Just a spoonful and not too many.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
