March Monthly News
National Nutrition Month
Don't tell Mom, but chocolate may not be as harmful to teeth as once believed,
In fact, new findings may force us to rethink the cavity-causing potential of many
commomly-eaten foods.
Three factors contribute to the caries-producing environment in the mouth:
the sugar content of foods; the stickiness of foods; and acidity in the mouth.
Chocolate tends to be less cariogenic (cavity causing) then it is widely believed because
it maintains the "resting" pH level (acidity) of the mouth. Lunch meats and aged cheeses such as
gouda, mozzarella, Swiss and cheddar also neutralize the acid in the mouth, so they're not as
likely to cause cavities as foods that don't do this (they are less likely to cause cavities
than chocolate because they contain less sugar).
High fiber snacks are a good choice because they produce salvia which helps wash away
the sugar in the mouth, thus helping to reduce opportunities for decay.
Cavity-causing culprits to avoid:
Dried fruits because they stick to the teeth,
and juices because they are loaded with sugar.
used accross the United States then ever before. Several implant systems designed to
restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth, are now available.
One of these, for instance, involves the insertion of tiny metal fixtures, similar to screws,
into the jawbone. These fixtures bond with the bone and become anchors for the new teeth.
Implants can help arrest the deteriorization of the jawbone when the part of the jawbone
that once held the teeth begins to shrink. The end result is a more natural-looking mouth and
jaw line for years to come.
The benefits of dental implants are numerous, but not everyone is a candidate for implants.
For more information ask your dentist.
on artifically sweetened foods and few calories.
In addition to helping keep down weight, artificial sweeteners don't cause cavities.
Here's a rundown on artificial sweetners:
Aspartarne is 180 times as sweet as sugar and is used in a wide variety of food previously
sweetened with sucrose or saccharin. While limited research is available, aspartame does not
appear to cause tooth decay.
Saccharin has been in use longer than any of the other artificial sweeteners. It does not
promote tooth decay and is often used instead of sugar in foods, beverages,
chewable vitamins, toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol are found naturally in many foods.
They are produced commercially for sweetening confections, such as chewing gums and candies.
sweetened juice into an infant bottle that is used as a pacifier can be the primary cause of early
tooth decay and problems with permanent teeth later on.
The culprit; sugar from the sweet fluids. It collects around teeth and attacks the new enamel
which is susceptible to extensive decay over short periods. How to prevent this problem?
"Brush" infant's teeth daily by wiping teeth and gums with a wet washcloth
after each feeding to remove plaque;
Never give your child a bottle as a pacifier at naptime or at bedtime no matter what it contains;
Offer fluids from a cup as soon as the child is able;
Start regular dental checkups for children at age 2 to 3.
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