March 17th, 2016
Kids and teens love sports drinks. In fact, studies have shown that these “thirst quenchers” are consumed by 62% of adolescents every day. But are they good for your child’s body or teeth? And are they truly necessary for sports performance? Here are a few facts:
Sports drinks contain more sugar than you may realize.
After water, the second ingredient in some popular brands of sports drinks is high fructose corn syrup. Some sports drinks contain as much as 19 grams of added sugar which means that bacteria present in your child’s mouth are being given exactly what they need to grow.
The high acidity of sports drinks can damage tooth enamel.
A 2012 study showed that sports drinks often have high acidity. This acid interferes with the mouth’s ability to regulate a healthy pH and can lead to the wearing away of enamel. While tooth enamel is literally the hardest substance in the human body, it’s no match for a steady stream of acid.
Sports drinks are full of salt.
Some sports drinks contain up to 200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that a “serving” is usually 8 ounces, which means that a large bottle of the leading sports drink can have more sodium than a bag of potato chips.
Sports drinks can be high in calories.
Even though they generally contain fewer calories than soda, sports drinks can still be high in calories due to their serving sizes and the large amount that many kids drink. Sports drinks make up 10-15% of the daily caloric intake of most teens and aside from their intended purpose, these beverages aren’t always consumed in conjunction with sports.
Sports drinks are best suited for intense physical activity.
If your child is participating in an intense game with constant movement and an elevated heart rate, a small serving of sports drinks may come in handy from time to time. But most youth sports don’t involve that level of activity. Fluoridated water is almost always a better choice.
The bottom line is that most kids don’t really need sports drinks. Consuming what amounts to sugar water simply isn’t necessary for the majority of sports or outdoor activities. We encourage you to read labels and be aware of everything your child drinks. Keep your child hydrated and make certain that you child is drinking plenty of water.
March 3rd, 2016
Bad breath can affect people of all ages. Using mouth sprays and mints only cover up symptoms because bad breath is the result of bacteria build up. When air passes over that bacteria, it dries and causes a foul smell. There are four easy ways you and your children can avoid this persistent problem and have a healthier mouth in the process.
1. Brush Regularly.
It may seem obvious that we should all brush our teeth twice every day and floss daily to keep our teeth clean, but many people forget that your gums need cleaning, too. Just beneath the gum line, bacteria can make camp for a long visit. Brushing your teeth (and gums) for 2 minutes twice a day will keep your breath crisp and keep your mouth healthy. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristles can damage gums and create a bigger problem.
2. Use a Tongue Scraper.
Your tongue is a soft, moist incubator for bacteria. Tongue scrapers work to wake to wake up that bacteria and kick them out of bed. Use a tongue scraper after every meal to ensure there are no left overs still hanging around. The less leftover food particles on our tongues mean less fuel for bacteria growth. The advent of disposable tongue scrapers makes this an easy and convenient way to fight bad breath. Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the tip and throw away.
3. Avoid Smelly (and Sugary) Foods.
What we put in our mouths can make a huge difference in the outcome of our breath. Sugars from soda, candy and desserts feed the bacteria that give our breath its distinct smell. Try avoiding sugary drinks and candies as much as possible and replacing them with sugar-free gum. This increases the natural saliva flow in our mouths, which is a natural mouth cleanser.
4. Don't Neglect Regular Cleanings.
That feeling of a completely clean mouth cannot be matched by any home cleaning. Staying on top of your oral hygiene can make a big difference for mouth odor, but there is only so much you're able do at home. Dentists and professional dental hygienists know all the nooks and crannies that bacteria like to hide in. Going to your regular dental appointments, every six months, will ensure that any spots that you cannot take care of in your daily cleaning regiment are properly tended to.
February 18th, 2016
Too much sugar can be bad news for your health. When left on your teeth, sugar gives bacteria the food it needs to thrive and create cavities. Further, high sugar has been linked to obesity, diabetes and poor heart health. And while the average American consumes 22 grams of sugar a day (that’s twice the recommended amount), it’s surprisingly not hard to take a few simple steps to dramatically reduce your intake. Here are 5 things you can do today to reduce the amount of sugar you consume:
1. Read food labels.
A lot of times, we don’t realize how much sugar that we are consuming because we simply aren’t aware of the sugar content of the foods we consume. Being aware of sugar content will help you make better decisions about what foods you eat.
2. Eat fresh fruit…Instead of canned.
Many times fruit that has been processed and preserved has also had sugar added. If you do eat canned fruit, be sure that it’s been packed in 100% fruit juice instead of those labeled “light syrup” which refers more to the thickness of the syrup used and not its sugar content.
3. Drink water, not soda.
A 12 oz. can of soda often contains over 39g of sugar! You can kick the soda habit and dramatically reduce your sugar intake by simply choosing water instead.
4. Pack your lunch and avoid fast food.
Surprisingly, nearly every item on most fast food menus has added sugar, even hamburgers! You can keep track of exactly how much sugar you are getting and avoid hidden sugars by packing your own lunch.
5. Try Xylitol.
A recent interest in more natural sugar substitutes has resulted in more people consuming products that aren’t just better for you, they can actually promote good health. Xylitol, for example, has actually been shown to reduce cavities.
February 4th, 2016
Like us, we’re sure you LOVE chocolate. Plus, it’s almost a required gift for holidays like Valentine’s Day. And while candy generally doesn’t mix well with keeping teeth healthy, dark chocolate (the kind with at least 70% cocoa) can actually be a cavity fighter. That’s obviously fantastic news for chocolate lovers.
Of course, it’s always important to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day and to floss daily. But you don’t need to worry about wrecking your teeth by indulging in chocolate from time to time. Here are a few reasons why chocolate is a great candy choice.
Chocolate contains polyphenols.
Polyphenols are a class of naturally occurring chemicals that can limit oral bacteria. They are also able to neutralize the microorganisms that cause bad breath and prevent bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid. Polyphenols have great promise for their apparent anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects as well as their ability to reduce hypertension and stroke.
Chocolate is high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are a group of molecules that keep your body healthy on a cellular level and chocolate contains a lot of them. In fact, dark chocolate can contain up to four times the level found in green tea. High amounts of antioxidants in saliva have been shown to fight periodontal disease.
Tannins are abundant in chocolate.
Tannins are plant compounds that are found in many of the foods we eat. They’re also what give dark chocolate its slightly bitter taste and dark color. Tannins have been shown to help stop bacteria from sticking to teeth because their molecules bind to bacteria before plaque has time to form.
A flavonoid compound called epicatechin is found in high quantities in chocolate.
Flavonoids are a group of plant-based antioxidants that have been shown to slow tooth decay. A recent study by researchers at the University of California showed that a particular flavonoid calledepicatechin displays a remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol, blood clots and clogged arteries.
Again, chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for most of these benefits to your teeth and body. However, almost any food can be eaten in moderation, as long as you remember to keep brushing regularly.
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