Over the past 30
years, dental
practictioners
have seen a
decrease in
caries because
of preventative
measures, such
as sealants,
flouridated
toothpastes and
water
flouridation.
Yet an epidemic
of
caries remains
in specific
groups.
Children, young
adults, elderly
patients and
individuals
below the
poverty
level have a
high risk of
being associated
with
this problem.
Caries, more
commonly known
as cavities, can
be modified by
factors such as
oral bacteria,
saliva, oral
hygiene, sugar
intake, diet,
flouride and
genetics. It is
imperative for
the patient to
be aware of
these factors,
have a
preventative
oral health
plan, schedule
regular
check-ups and be
conscience of
their diet in
order to prevent
caries.
Sugar
Consumption:
Studies have
shown that
intaking sugar
between meals
increased caries
activity and a
higher number of
decayed, missing
or filled teeth
when compared to
the intake of
sugar during a
meal.
How many of us
drink soft
drinks? We all
know the brands
and the
flavors. We
even know if we
like the
bottled, canned
or fountain
better. Right?!
Well you may
think twice
after reading
some of these
statistics. And
if you are one
that is prone to
caries, poor
health, Type 2
Diabetes or
weight gain,
this may be a
wake up call.
Annual
consumption of
soft drinks has
increased 500%
in the past 50
years and
children, teens
and young adults
are the main
consumers. It
is shown that
73% of
adolescent boys
and 62% of
adolescent girls
consume soft
drinks on any
given day.
Studies have
found that
consuming these
sugar sweetened
beverages
strongly
correlate with
obesity in
children. Soft
drink + high
energy intake =
increase body
weight.
Excessive intake
of soft drinks
means excessive
caloric intake
which leads to
obesity.
Among adults,
the same
association is
true. Increased
soft drink
consumption can
lead to weight
gain and obesity
in adults. Yet
in adults the
results can mean
obesity and type
2 diabetes.
Do you skip
breakfast? Well
you may want to
include this
meal in your
daily regimen if
you want to
create a healthy
lifestyle.
Breakfast is one
of the most
important meals
of your day.
Not only will it
give you the
appropriate
energy, it can
also create
balance in your
diet. Skipping
breakfast may
lead to snacking
and higher
consumption of
sugar sweetened
beverages. Your
diet should
include
breakfast,
eating five
servings of
fruits and
vegetables and
limiting your
sugar intake.
So what's really
in a soft
drink? Here's
your wake up
call! A 20 oz.
can of soda
contains 16
teaspoons of
sugar, 250
calories, 91 mg
of caffeine and
a pH of 3 or
lower. On top
of that it
contains no
minerals,
calcium or
vitamins.
Calcium is
essential to
your bone
development and
healthy teeth.
A decreased
intake of
calcium can
decrease your
bone density and
significantly
increase your
risk of
osteoporosis.
Today, students
consume twice as
many soft drinks
as milk. Soft
drinks have no
nutritional
value and lead
to lower
protein,
calcium,
magnesium,
phosphorus and
vitamin
intakes.
What's the
damage? Most
commercial
beverages are
acidic and range
from pH 2.5 for
soft drinks, to
2.8 for iced tea
or sport drinks,
to 3.2 for
non-cola drinks
to 3.3 for
energy drinks.
Damage from
erosion can
occur on enamel
and dentin. If
you sip on these
types of drinks
all day, you
should be aware
of the damage
you create from
the acidic
beverages you
consume.
How can this all
be prevented?
First, it is
important, not
only for your
oral health but
for you overall
health, to live
a healthy
lifestyle.
Limit your
consumption of
sugar sweetened
beverages. If
you have the
choice between a
screw-top bottle
and a can,
purchase the
canned drink. A
screw-top bottle
preserves
carbonation and
allows you to
recap and repeat
intake. A can
loses its fizz
which becomes
less appetizing
and less likely
to finish. Use
a straw. This
helps to divert
the drink away
from the teeth.
If you are going
to consume a
soft drink, do
so during a meal
or with foods.
After drinking a
soft drink,
rinse the mouth
out with water.
Don't go brush
your teeth right
away. The
enamel is
softened by the
acidic beverage
so you should
wait an hour to
allow the enamel
to harden.
A healthy
lifestyle is
created by good
dietary habits.
As adults we
should model
good behavior
for our children
and teens. Eat
five servings of
fruits and
vegetables, make
breakfast a
daily regimen
and limit your
consumption of
sugar sweetened
beverages. The
outcome will be
a healthier
lifestyle and a
healthier you.
According
to Wikipedia, a New
Year's Resolution is
defined as a
commitment that an
individual makes to
a project or the
reforming of a
habit, often a
lifestyle change
that is generally
interpreted as being
advantageous.
There's
nothing
quite like a
full,
attractive
smile to
help you
look and
feel your
best and get
the most
from life.
And our
director,
Dennis P.
Saller, DDS,
brings to
Center for
Adult
Dentistry
the dental
artistry
expertise
you can
trust to
enhance your
smile. 
