With the Halloween season comes pumpkins, costumes, and of course, plenty of candy. For many, it's a challenge to avoid sugar at this time of year. If you’re living with Sjögren’s disease, you might be wondering how sugar may impact your health.
Did you know that sugar can worsen dry mouth (one of the most common Sjögren’s symptoms), increase your risk of cavities, and worsen inflammation throughout your body? But the good news is, you don’t need to be spooked by sugary treats this Halloween. With a few simple changes, you can still protect your oral and overall health, during Halloween or any time of the year.
Sugar and Sjögren’s Disease: A Haunting Combination for Your Teeth
Eating candy or other foods that contain sugar — including baked goods, soda, sweetened coffee drinks, or juices — can be tough on teeth, especially if you’re also managing dry mouth. Dry mouth can intensify sugar’s effect on teeth, so it’s important for people with Sjögren’s disease to take extra care.
People with Sjögren’s are more likely to get cavities because their mouths don’t produce as much saliva. Saliva is important because it helps break down and wash away sugars from the surface of the teeth. It also helps to protect your teeth’s enamel from the effects of sugar. In short, saliva helps to protect your teeth from decay. And when you don’t have enough saliva, sugar can cling to your teeth, giving bacteria a chance to grow and making it easier for cavities to form.
Sugar Affects More Than Just Your Teeth and Mouth
Eating too much sugar doesn’t just damage your teeth — it can also increase inflammation throughout your body. For people with Sjögren's, trying to eat fewer foods with sugar can limit any additional inflammation that can exacerbate Sjögren’s inflammation and cause increased symptom burden.
Balancing Sugar Intake and Oral Health with Sjögren’s
It’s important to know how sugar can impact your teeth and overall health, and for people with Sjögren’s, it’s best to avoid foods with added sugar altogether. However, if you’re going to enjoy the occasional sugary treat, follow these practical tips to help you enjoy it while managing sugar’s impact on your health:
- Brush your teeth right away after having sugar. Brushing immediately prevents sugar from lingering on your teeth. Choose a toothpaste with fluoride, which can help strengthen your teeth and further protect them from the impact of sugar.
- Choose treats made with sugar substitutes. Look for sugar-free gum or candies made with xylitol, erythritol, or stevia (substitutes for sugar). Xylitol can also stimulate saliva production to help with the feeling of dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Read nutrition labels carefully. Manufacturers must list both total sugar and added sugar. Knowing that difference can help you spot the foods that contain naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit or dairy) versus added sugars that can be harmful in excess.
- Swap dark chocolate for traditional candies. Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that has less sugar than other types of chocolate and many candies. While dark chocolate is a better option than traditional candies, it’s still important to eat it in moderation and brush your teeth after eating.
- Eat fruit instead of candy when possible. Fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth while providing vitamins and fiber. But don’t skip brushing your teeth afterward as natural sugars and the acids in fruit can still cling to teeth and contribute to cavities.
- Watch out for hidden sugars in condiments and sauces. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, and marinades can all contain high amounts of added sugar. When possible, choose reduced-sugar or sugar-free versions.
- Stay hydrated. Take frequent drinks of water, especially when you’re enjoying candy or other sweets. Drinking small sips of water helps rinse away sugar and bacteria. You can also try rinsing your mouth with water after eating sugar to help protect your teeth. Plus, staying hydrated can help with other Sjögren’s dryness symptoms, too.
- Be mindful of other foods with sugar. Halloween candy isn’t the only source of sugar during this season. Baked goods, sodas, juices, cider, seasonal flavored coffee drinks, and even some salad dressings, often contain a lot of sugar. For example, a flavored latte can include sugary syrups. When possible, look for sugar-free options, or ask if your drink can be made with less syrup.
Don’t forget to schedule regular dental cleanings. In addition to making smart choices about sugar each day, it’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for a professional teeth cleaning and exam (two to three times per year). Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments, sealants, or special mouth rinses to help protect your teeth.
By following these tricks, you can enjoy the festivities without worrying that you’re putting your dental health at risk!
Celebrate Halloween with Support from the Sjögren’s Foundation
Happy Halloween from the Sjögren’s Foundation! We’re here to support you with trusted resources, expert guidance, and a community of other people who understand what it’s like to live with Sjögren’s. Whether it’s Halloween or any other time of the year, the Foundation is your advocate to help you manage symptoms, protect your health, and live well with Sjögren’s.
With the Halloween season comes pumpkins, costumes, and of course, plenty of candy. For many, it's a challenge to avoid sugar at this time of year. If you’re living with Sjögren’s disease, you might be wondering how sugar may impact your health.
Did you know that sugar can worsen dry mouth (one of the most common Sjögren’s symptoms), increase your risk of cavities, and worsen inflammation throughout your body? But the good news is, you don’t need to be spooked by sugary treats this Halloween. With a few simple changes, you can still protect your oral and overall health, during Halloween or any time of the year.
Sugar and Sjögren’s Disease: A Haunting Combination for Your Teeth
Eating candy or other foods that contain sugar — including baked goods, soda, sweetened coffee drinks, or juices — can be tough on teeth, especially if you’re also managing dry mouth. Dry mouth can intensify sugar’s effect on teeth, so it’s important for people with Sjögren’s disease to take extra care.
People with Sjögren’s are more likely to get cavities because their mouths don’t produce as much saliva. Saliva is important because it helps break down and wash away sugars from the surface of the teeth. It also helps to protect your teeth’s enamel from the effects of sugar. In short, saliva helps to protect your teeth from decay. And when you don’t have enough saliva, sugar can cling to your teeth, giving bacteria a chance to grow and making it easier for cavities to form.
Sugar Affects More Than Just Your Teeth and Mouth
Eating too much sugar doesn’t just damage your teeth — it can also increase inflammation throughout your body. For people with Sjögren's, trying to eat fewer foods with sugar can limit any additional inflammation that can exacerbate Sjögren’s inflammation and cause increased symptom burden.
Balancing Sugar Intake and Oral Health with Sjögren’s
It’s important to know how sugar can impact your teeth and overall health, and for people with Sjögren’s, it’s best to avoid foods with added sugar altogether. However, if you’re going to enjoy the occasional sugary treat, follow these practical tips to help you enjoy it while managing sugar’s impact on your health:
Don’t forget to schedule regular dental cleanings. In addition to making smart choices about sugar each day, it’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for a professional teeth cleaning and exam (two to three times per year). Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments, sealants, or special mouth rinses to help protect your teeth.
By following these tricks, you can enjoy the festivities without worrying that you’re putting your dental health at risk!
Celebrate Halloween with Support from the Sjögren’s Foundation
Happy Halloween from the Sjögren’s Foundation! We’re here to support you with trusted resources, expert guidance, and a community of other people who understand what it’s like to live with Sjögren’s. Whether it’s Halloween or any other time of the year, the Foundation is your advocate to help you manage symptoms, protect your health, and live well with Sjögren’s.