Think Before You Drink!

Think Before You Drink!

Did you Know?

School’s out and summer weather is well underway!!

If you want to bring out the best in your smile for the summer, book your dental appointment at your Mississauga dental office here.

While being active, wearing sunscreen, and staying hydrated are important summer tips.  As your Port Credit Dental office, we would like to add one more to your summer mantra. ‘Think before you drink!’ Cavities are still commonly found and it’s important to think about the consumption of “sugary drinks” such as sodas, colas and juice. We are all aware that cookies, candy and other sweets have tons of sugar in them, but it is also important to know that what we drink contributes hugely to the formation of cavities as well.

Here are some helpful tips to limit the damage to your teeth, if you do enjoy an occasional “sugary drink”:

• Try The Sugar Free Versions (Although They Still Damage Tooth Enamel). 
• Drink Your ‘Sugary Drink’ During A Meal
• Drink through a straw to minimize contact with teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda or any sports drinks to help eliminate acid and sugar.
• Drink plenty of water – Dr. Lee recommends eight glasses of water a day.
• And reduce exposure to a sugary drinks buy drinking it in one sitting vs. throughout an entire day.  If you do this, you limit the frequency the teeth are being exposed to sugar

Here are other recommendations to make sure that your Child’s teeth stay healthy:

• Children should only drink “water” during meal time
• Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or glass of milk or juice as this may cause tooth decay known as “baby bottle syndrome”
• Limit the amount of  juice they consume in a day and if you must give them juice, water it down to 50% water, 50% juice which reduces the amount of sugar
• Say NO to soda as young children should not be allowed to drink any sodas as they tend to be high in sugar, are acidic and also contain caffeine

Did you know?  Plain water and milk (not chocolate) are the best options for your child to keep them hydrated.

Make sure to brush your child’s teeth twice a day as this helps limit the effect that these drinks have on your child’s teeth.  Make sure to wait at least 20-30 minutes after drinking to brush. Remember that once it passes through your child’s teeth, your child’s body will also suffer from the content of what they consume.  Acids are listed on the ingredients so make sure to check the label before buying drinks for your child. Learning about the effects of “sugary” drinks will help save your teeth and your smile and that of your child or children.

With this information we hope that you and your family have a great summer season!  As your Mississauga dentist we hope to always provide you with information that can aid you in making better choices for yourself and your family.