Kids: Sports and Energy Drinks, just say NO!
In previous blogs we’ve talked about how energy and sports drinks are not good for your teeth, they cause acid erosion. The high levels sugar change into acid in the mouth that eats away at the enamel of your teeth. In addition to this, the American Academy of Pediatrics is saying that sports drinks contribute not only to tooth decay, but also obesity. Energy drinks are even more harmful because they contain a number of substances that act like stimulants, such as caffeine. Caffeine has been associated with negative effects on kid’s health relating to both their neurological and cardiovascular development. 
So what’s the bottom line? For routine physical activity water is still the best way to hydrate. Hydrating should be done before, during and after sports. If it is necessary to consume a sports drink, alternate it with water and swallow it right away. Don’t swish it around in your mouth. Energy drinks are not a good idea period!
If you’re comcerned about physical activity, keeping hydrated and the health of your teeth or your children’s teeth, feel free to discuss it with Dr. Artemenko or one of our hygienists.
For more information, click on this link: http://www.ada.org/news/5970.aspx
Stay Connected!
Want to check your facebook page? Need to check your email or get directions to your next shopping destination in Sterling Heights or Troy? You can now stay connected even in the dental chair. We now have a free Wi-Fi connection in our office. Just select the “drjohnart” wireless network and you can stay up to date with your friends or keep working while taking care of your teeth too!
Which type of toothbrush should I use?
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
This message brought to you by your dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Dr. John Artemenko.
