April 14th, 2016
Did you know that the most common chronic disease of children and teens is tooth decay? Even worse, the CDC reports that nearly 20% of children’s cavities are left untreated. What may be even more surprising is that nearly all cavities are 100% preventable. In fact, simply by following these 6 steps, you could help your child enter adulthood without suffering from even a single cavity.
Take advantage of sealants or composite fillings.
Sealants are the most effective, yet most underutilized method of preventing cavities. Dental sealants involve a temporary, thin plastic coating that is “painted” on the chewing surfaces of teeth which creates a barrier where food often gets trapped. Composite fillings are sometimes used as an alternative to sealants, but in the same way by filling deep crevices. The relatively low cost of sealants makes them an obvious choice when compared with the discomfort and higher costs of treating a cavity.
Limit foods that tend to stick to teeth.
Sticky candies like caramel and taffy often stay around for a long time after kids eat them. But candy isn’t the only food which needs to be limited. Crackers, potato chips and other starchy foods also tend to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of tooth surfaces. Without proper brushing, these foods provide sugar to bacteria that feed on it and multiply and attack enamel. For this reason, these foods should be limited and occasional. Regular brushing and flossing is essential when these foods are consumed.
Begin good dental habits early.
Oral care can begin even before teeth appear. Using a soft cloth to clean your baby’s gums can limit bacteria and protect emerging teeth. Small children should get help with brushing.
Model good dental habits.
One of the most effective ways you can ensure that your children stay cavity free is by modeling good dental habits in front of them. Do they see you brush? Are you flossing daily? Modeling good behaviors will teach your children first hand that you value your own oral health and theirs.
March 31st, 2016
When we think of healthy alternatives to soda and other sugary drinks, its often common to look to fruit juice as a healthy alternative. Generally high in essential vitamins, fruit juice can be a much better choice than other beverages. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the worst offenders. The sugars and citric acid found in most fruit juices cause double trouble for teeth, and can lead to tooth decay at an early age.
A lot more sugar than you think.
Apple juice can contain as much as 10 tsp. of sugar. That’s exactly the same amount as found in the leading cola. Grape juice contains even more, with nearly 15tsp. Further, the citric acid in fruit juice can be tough on enamel, eating away at the first line of defense for healthy teeth.
Moderation...and water.
Consuming fruit juice isn’t in and of itself bad. Instead, the real problem is that we often simply consume too much juice or that we don’t rinse or brush afterwards. Children are especially at risk when juice is given too frequently. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have no more than 6 to 8 ounces of citrus fruit juice per day. Also, it’s important to limit your children’s consumption of juice to once a day, preferably with a meal, instead of spread out through the day, such as in a sippy cup. For the juice-lover in the family, two servings of watered down juice is a great way to satisfy a craving!
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.
