By Steven Anderson, D.M.D.
Summertime usually means [HealthyLife] most people are outside enjoying all the activities warm weather brings. This time of year also seems to lend itself to the consumption of more sugar, whether in drinks and ice cream, lollipops and popsicles, or rich milk chocolate, which doesn’t last long in your hand when it’s hot outside. Unfortunately, sweets have their pitfalls. So, consider what you can do to reduce some of the risk factors of oral disease and tooth decay that may result in serious health problems and financial costs in your future. Tooth decay is the most common disease in the world. Left untreated, tooth decay often hurts, and the more it hurts, the more serious and involved the treatments and costs. It’s always best to see your dentist early, before it hurts. Bacteria in our mouths are the most common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria secrete strong acids, eroding the enamel
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Woodstock Family Life | AUGUST 2018
and soft dentin of our teeth. So, why do these bacteria secrete acid? Acid is the byproduct of their digestive processes, and when bacteria “eat,” their waste product is acid. So, what do bacteria eat? You guessed it — SUGAR! The bacteria in our mouths love sugar. The real thing, not the artificial stuff. Here’s a helpful shopping tip: Remember “sugar free” for your family. There are many sugar-free products your children (and you) will enjoy that don’t have an unpleasant aftertaste. Every time we eat sugar, bacteria continue to excrete the harmful acids in our mouth beyond the time of an immediate toothbrushing ritual. The more we eat or drink sugar during the day, the longer the harmful acids are present in our mouth wreaking havoc. Moderation in most things is still a good motto. So, what about sports drinks? Always
read the label. Most sports drinks contain sugar, sometimes as much as a soda. All sugary drinks in our diet need to be closely monitored, as they often contribute to too much sugar in our diets. Diet sodas also contain harmful acids that affect our teeth. Summertime is a fun season that can be enjoyed, even with the occasional sugary treat. Be smart about the decisions you make regarding what you and your children eat. These decisions will affect your oral health. After all, it’s your smile (or your kids’), and good dentistry should be all about you.
Dr. Steven Anderson is owner/ dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com
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