Don't Sport the Sports Drinks This Summer

After a soccer game or long day outside in the yard, a sports drink is all you crave. While they are a great source for rehydration, drinking too much could be a bad thing for your teeth.

According to a 2009 study by the International Association for Dental Research, prolonged consumption of sports drinks – including Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water and Propel Fit Water – can lead to excessive teeth erosion. And not just from the sugar content of these drinks, but also from their high acidity levels.
The study showed that sports drinks can cause significant staining of the teeth and soften a tooth’s enamel.  When the enamel gets softened, bacteria can easily sneak through the weakened tooth shell and cause an infection. Sugar only helps encourage bacterial growth.

The best solution is to limit your child’s intake of sports drinks. But if it’s the only way to refuel your little one, then follow up each drink with a glass of water to rinse away the sugar.  Also, according to Mark Wolff, DDS, chairman of the department of cardiology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry, wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after consuming sports drinks.  This will allow the tooth enamel to reharden before taking a tooth brush to them.

Of course water is always the best solution for hydration, but we sometimes can’t resist the sports drinks either. If you can’t get the sports drinks out of your child’s hand this summer, mention their increased intake to your dentist at your next visit. That way, if they do see any issues with the enamel they can recommend an acid-neutralizing toothpaste or give you some other great tips to help combat the problem!

In the summer it’s easy to run to the fridge for a soda when you’re thirsty or grab a Popsicle when you’re in need of snack.  Free of their school lunchrooms and mom-packed lunches, kids often times will spend their summer taking full advantage of the unmanned refrigerator and the sweet snacks inside.  However, giving kids this freedom can lead to a myriad of dental health issues, including unwanted cavities.  This summer, stock your fridge with teeth friend foods and limit the sugary drinks, chips, breads and hard candies.

Here are just a few of the foods that promote healthy teeth and a big, bright smile:

• Green Tea. Full of antioxidants that prevent plaque from adhering to your teeth, Green Tea also contains fluoride, which helps protect tooth enamel from decay. 
• Milk and Yogurt. Packed full to bone-strengthening calcium, milk and yogurt have a low acidity to minimize dental erosion. 
• Cheese. This tooth power food balances your mouth’s PH, rebuilds tooth enamel and kills bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
• Fruit. Fruits high in vitamin C, like apples, oranges and strawberries, keep gum tissue strong and healthy. Firm and crunchy fruits are also helpful since they typically contain more water to help naturally dilute their sugar content. 
• Meats and Eggs.  Meats contain calcium and phosphorus, which are important helpers to replenishing minerals in the teeth stripped away by acidic foods and liquids. 
• Lots and Lots of Water.  Water will help rinse away excess food residuals and sugar from liquids when brushing isn’t an option.  It’s important to drink plenty of water during the day  keeps you and your gums hydrated for the best smile possible!

Hit The Road Jack and Don’t Forget to Pack Your Toothbrush

School’s out for the summer and whether you’re packing for your annual family vacation or to send your little one off to camp, don’t forget to pack the essentials: toothpaste and toothbrush! Just because you’re taking a break from it all, doesn’t mean you can take a break from dental hygiene!

To ensure your teeth stay healthy all summer long, here are a few tips from the dentists at Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry:

• Pack an extra toothbrush and extra tube of your favorite toothpaste. It’s so easy to leave your toothpaste and toothbrush behind in a hotel room or mysteriously loose in the depths of your luggage, so keep an extra set on hand in case you can’t find a store to replace them.
• Limit the time your toothbrush is kept in an airtight travel case.  Toothbrush cases are great to ensure that your toothbrush doesn’t pick up germs or dirt while en route to your destination, but when you’re in one spot, keep your toothbrush out of its case.  Keeping a wet toothbrush in an airtight case will allow bacteria to quickly grow, which will affect your brush and your health. Let your airbrush dry completely before stowing it away. 
• Drink lots of water. When on vacation (especially in the hot summer months!) it’s so easy to grab drinks from a can or bottle.  But those sodas, sports drinks and teas are full of sugar that will simply cling to your teeth.  Drinking plenty of water will ensure that any sugar floating around your teeth will be washed away. 
• Don’t forget to bring your pediatric dentist’s phone number with you. Before you leave, store our number in your cell phone or stash it in your kid’s bag. If something goes wrong miles from home, having the number handy will ensure that you can quickly seek advice to remedy the situation. If it’s something that requires a dentist, your pediatric dentist can recommend a colleague in the area. 

Most importantly, have fun this summer! We can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures!

Keep Your Teeth Healthy All Summer Long

Recently, Alpharetta Children's Dentistry shared tips on how to keep your kid's teeth healthy all summer long with Up In Cumming magazine. With Summer right around the corner, make sure you have a plan in place to keep your kids brushing, healthy and happy! 

As a reminder to our patients, start booking your Summer appointments now. The few weeks after school lets out are our busiest, so snag your spot early. You can now book your appointment online!

 Click on the article below to read the article in UiC's digital magazine.