I've actually found cinnamon tea pretty helpful—something about the warmth and spice seems to curb my sweet tooth a bit. But honestly, some days nothing beats a cookie... moderation's key, I guess.
You're definitely onto something with cinnamon tea—it has a natural sweetness that tricks your taste buds without the sugar overload. And honestly, enjoying a cookie every now and then isn't the end of the world. Moderation really is the key, like you said. I've seen patients who completely cut out sweets but end up bingeing later because they're too restrictive. Better to find a balance that works for you... your teeth (and sanity!) will thank you in the long run.
I've noticed the same thing in my practice—patients who try to go cold turkey on sweets usually end up struggling more in the long run. Cinnamon tea is a good tip, and I've also recommended chewing sugar-free gum after meals. It helps curb cravings and boosts saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth. Small habits like these can make a big difference over time, without feeling overly restrictive or stressful.
I've noticed the gum trick helps a lot too, especially for those patients who find it tough to break the habit of reaching for sweets after meals. I had one patient who was a chronic candy snacker—always kept a bowl of mints or chocolates on his desk. We talked about swapping them for sugar-free gum, and after a bit of adjustment, he actually preferred the gum. He even said his mouth felt cleaner afterward, which was a nice bonus.
One thing I wonder about, though—is there a particular flavor or type of gum that seems to work better than others for curbing sweet cravings? I've mostly recommended mint because it's refreshing and seems to linger longer, but I had another patient who swore by fruity flavors. Curious if others have noticed a difference in effectiveness based on flavor...
"I've mostly recommended mint because it's refreshing and seems to linger longer..."
Mint usually works great, but I've had surprising success with cinnamon gum—some patients tell me the spicy kick distracts from sweet cravings. Might be worth exploring... Curious if anyone else has noticed this?
