New Guidelines on Fruit Juice: Less for Kids and None for Babies

Good morning,

Today we are sharing an article from parents.com that cautions against giving kids too much fruit juices. Of course there is no one way to raise a child and we recommend talking to your pediatrician but from a dental prospective, too much fruit juices can be bad for your kids' dental health. As you may or may not know, most fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar. Therefore "frequently sipping on juice also puts kids at higher risk for cavities, as the carbohydrates wash over the teeth and can cause decay."

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To read more of the article visit the link here. To contact us today to help your child in a non-judgmental, friendly environment visit us at www.germantowndentalcare.com or call us at: (301) 540-5195.

Wow! Sugar-Free Gum Could Save $4.1 Billion in Dental Costs

Good morning,

Today we are sharing an article from dentistrytoday.com which talks about how millions of patients each year could save billions of dollars if they switched to chewing sugar-free gum. Isn't that incredible?

"If current consumers of sugar-free chewing gum increase their consumption by just one piece per day, $4.1 billion could be saved worldwide on dental expenditures from treating tooth decay each year, according to the Institute of Empirical Health Economics (IEHE). These savings would include $2.07 billion in the United States, $1.1 billion in Europe, and $149 million in China.'

'Chewing increases salivary flow, which helps remove leftover food debris while neutralizing and washing away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on teeth. This acid can break down tooth enamel. Also, the increased saliva provides more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen the enamel.'

Did you know that 'according to the ADA, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. While sugarless gum should not replace brushing and flossing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day, the ADA reports, it can be an effective adjunct to oral care."

To see more and learn about how switching to sugar-free gum can make a huge difference visit: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/1998-sugar-free-gum-could-save-4-1-billion-in-dental-costs#sthash.BDPYnksC.dpuf

8 Non-Dairy, Calcium-Rich Foods for Your Teeth

Good morning,

Everyone knows that calcium is great for strong bones and strong teeth! However some of our lactose intolerant patients can't get normal sources of dairy in their diet. Does this mean that their oral health has to suffer? Absolutely not! If you are like the thousands of Americans who are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, there is hope!

In this great article from mouthhealthy.org, it talks about eight other sources of calcium for your teeth. For example, did you know that Almonds have high levels of calcium?

Take a look and see for yourself by visiting the article link here.  If you are looking for an oral evaluation or help getting your smile back on track, visit us today in Germantown, Maryland!

www.germantowndentalcare.com 

Can Gummy Vitamins Harm Your Child's Teeth?

Good morning,

Today we want to talk about something most kids out there enjoy... gummy vitamins! Gummy vitamins are a great invention to help our growing children get the vitamins they need. However, since most people put them into the "healthy category," they don't often think about the potential negative side effects.

"Kids hate vitamins – we know. That’s why if you ask parents, gummy vitamins will rank as one of the best kid inventions of all time. Kids love ‘em! Kids want more of ‘em! Kids steal them and bring them to school! Wait. What? Yes. Gummy vitamins are a fantastic way to get your kids into the habit of healthy supplementation. Unfortunately, being sticky as all get-out (and enjoyably sweet), they come with a few side notes from us dental-folk."

So, what can you do to help your kids get their vitamins but not cause problems for their teeth? Take a look at the article here to learn what 6 steps they recommend!

If you are looking for a new dentist for your child and want someone who is kind and understanding, contact us today! We enjoy all of our patients the same, but especially appreciate our younger ones!

www.germantowndentalcare.com

A routine visit to her dentist saved her life...

Good afternoon,

Yesterday wrapped up Oral Cancer Awareness Month but wanted to share one more quick article. Joana Breckner never smoked or drank a day in her life and was a routinely healthy person. Thanks to a routine visit with her dentist, she was able to spot white cancerous cells on the back of her tongue.

"The biopsy was benign, but for the next seven years I was monitored by Dr. Sacks and my doctor. My first tumor, small and contained, was removed in 2007. Four years later, my cancer returned. I underwent a 10-hour surgery removing half my tongue, which was rebuilt with grafts from my forearm, followed up by radiation and chemotherapy. A year later cancer reoccurred on my jugular vein. More surgery, more chemotherapy, more radiation. 

Four years later, my story has a happy ending, and by sharing it I hope to raise awareness of oral cancer and screenings."  (To read the full article, click here.) 

If Joana hadn't gone to her dentist they might of never been able to find the cancer and she might not be here today to tell this story. We are so happy to hear that she is on the mend now, but can't stress how important it is for regular visits to your dentist! Most people think only about getting their teeth cleaned but your dentist can help with so much more of your oral health!

"Here are easy, potentially lifesaving steps to take charge of your oral health. 

Be sure your dentist or qualified hygienist “cleans and screens” at every routine visit. This visual and manual screening takes less than five minutes 
There is a strong link between HPV and oral cancer. Ask your children’s pediatrician and dentist for more information about the HPV vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends boys and girls receive the HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12. 
If a sore throat or swallowing problems persist for more than two weeks, contact your doctor." 

If you are looking for a new dentist who is kind, caring and willing to listen, call us today for your new patient appointment at (301) 540-5195 or visit: http://germantowndentalcare.com/