Family dental care tips from your Kennesaw dentist

As family dentists, one of our primary goals is to protect patients’ teeth from the damaging effects of harmful bacteria. Providing excellent family dental care is what we do in our Kennesaw office. Even more importantly are the habits we encourage our patients to establish at home. Because more time goes by between dental visits than time is spent under our direct care, the bulk of each patient’s oral health lies primarily on his or her own shoulders.

Taking care of our teeth is a daily practice, complemented by professional cleanings, preventative measures such as sealants or fluoride treatments, and restorative care when needed. The strength and attractiveness of our teeth is affected by daily care, as well as lifestyle habits. This means that what we eat and drink is important as well as the standard of oral hygiene we maintain. Recent research has brought to light the fact that many people are putting their oral health at risk with the regular consumption of certain types of popular beverages.

When we consider the foods we eat and drinks we enjoy, what most of us look at sugar content. Not only does sugar feed the body empty calories, this substance plays a role in the formation of cavities. Sugar is not the direct cause of cavities, but rather the fuel source for bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. Fed on sugar, bacteria produce acid that eats away healthy enamel. Many of the drinks people enjoy, including sugary sodas, actually contain enough acid to pose a real threat to teeth.

Like sugar, acid from foods and beverages lingers in the mouth long after the sweet treat has been consumed. Like sugar, acid is dangerous to enamel, a porous substance that coats our teeth. Whether acid comes from bacteria, or from your favorite sport or energy drink, this substance breaks down healthy enamel and makes way for bacteria to progress into teeth.

Is that beverage really a healthy alternative?

In an effort to protect themselves and their families from sugar in soda, many parents switch to sport drinks as a healthy alternative. In our busy lives, we could all use more energy, which is a primary reason for the popularity of energy drinks. With the research now available, a link between these types of drinks and a whole new dental problem has been discovered. It seems the acid content found in many sport drinks, especially energy drinks, tooth erosion is now a common occurrence.

A report found in General Dentistry stated that the acid in these types of beverages break down healthy enamel on teeth within days. In a study, 13 varieties of sports drinks were evaluated, with damage noticed after just five days of regular consumption. In the same study, energy drinks proved to be twice as damaging in the same amount of time.

With this type of evidence showing the impact of our dietary habits, the importance of food and beverage choices, and of excellent oral hygiene practice, takes center stage. Dr. Vo and Dr. Breckley are committed to helping you and your family experience optimal oral health. Contact us to schedule your check-up and professional cleaning.

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