Patient Education:
Healthy Tips
The Decay Potential of Various Soft Drinks Compared: It's More Than Bubbles Fizzing Away
An issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) contained a study which compared the mineral loss invitro (inside a "test tube") of extracted teeth when exposed to various soft drinks for different time periods. A greater mineral loss is correlated to greater decay potential invivo (inside the mouth). Colorless sodas showed the greatest mineral loss, followed by caramel colored colas. There was no difference when regular colas were compared to diet colas, and surprisingly, root beer showed the least amount of damage. Tap water was the safest. The amount of acid (usually in the form of citric acid ie: lemon juice) present was directly related to mineral loss, however natural flavorings seemed to have a positive effect (root beer). Though energy drinks and sports drinks were not tested, they contain acid and sugars which can lead to decay.
Young people are consuming greater quantities of soft drinks and energy drinks, and health officials are noting increases in obesity, tooth decay, and loss of bone density in teenage females. Switching to tap water and chewing sugarless gum is advised. To help reverse the loss of minerals, choose a toothpaste that contains calcium phosphate remineralizers (ie: Sensodyne's "Pro Enamel"), or ask your dentist for a personalized home care regime to help strengthen your teen's teeth. In our Tyson's Corner dental office, we take dietary histories and if we note mineral loss or decay, we provide the tools to reverse this trend. http://www.pronamel.us/?google=b_&rotation=1003&banner=4422&kw=261
Floss and Live Longer
Researchers continue to find links between infected gums and coronary artery disease. Heart attacks occur when the inside of the arteries providing nourishment and oxygen to heart muscle cells become blocked. The process begins when a portion of the wall of a blood vessel expands inwardly. As the path through the blood vessel narrows, a blood clot can form, stopping the flow of blood and resulting in the death of heart muscle. This can eventually lead to a heart attack. Scientists believe that noxious bacteria living inside a person's infected gum pockets migrate into the blood stream and eventually find their way to a coronary artery. There, they start to live within the blood vessel's wall, causing the inward expansion and narrowing of the artery. To reduce the risk of heart attack and possibly stroke, keep a healthy diet, exercise, and don't forget to floss. At our Tyson's Corner, Vienna loaction in Northern Virginia, we always perform a thorough periodontal exam.
Anti-Snoring Treatment
Snoring can be troublesome to the people who live with you; some people even snore so loudly that they have awakened themselves. When air passes over relaxed tissues in your breathing passages, they vibrate and produce the noises we call snoring. Sometimes, snoring is linked to a dangerous condition called sleep apnea, in which breathing stops due to obstructive nasal and nasopharynxial tissues and only restarts when blood CO2 levels rise dangerously jolting the brain to awaken. Normal sleep cycles are dirsrupted causing daytime fatigue, lack of attentiveness, lower cognitive ability, and irritability. Lower blood oxygen levels during noctornal apneic evnets can even lead to heart attacks. In December 2010, Dr. Laurent participated in a televised panel discussion dealing with both adult and childhood sleeping problems including apnea, hosted by Dr. Russell Libby of Virginia Pediatric Group and Dr. Pankaj Merchia, a specialist in sleep disorders. Of interest : there is a link between ADHD in children and sleep apnea, which may be caused by enlarged tonsils. Dr. Laurent has treatments available for adult patients with snoring problems. Please contact our practice for more information or to schedule an anti-snoring treatment consultation.