Dr. Dexter Barnes Explains the Connection Between Your Oral Health and Soda Pop

Soda consumption has increased dramatically over the past 40 years, much to the pleasure of the soda manufacturers, and so have the ill effects of its over consumption.

In fact, kids today consume way too much sugar (29 to 40tsp/day)! Teenagers are getting approximately 40% of their sugar calories from soft drinks; they are drinking less milk and getting less calcium!

Teens currently drink twice as much soda as milk when compared to twenty years ago. Studies have shown that teenage girls require 1300mg of calcium/day and may be only getting 800mg. Calcium is important for bone development up to the age of 18; lack of calcium can predispose one to osteoporosis and broken bones

When we eat or drink acidic foods and beverages, the acid initiates a chemical process that softens our tooth enamel and can lead to dental erosion.

Normally saliva neutralizes the acid, but if we keep swilling soda or snacking on fruit and yogurt, saliva can't keep up with the acid, and the possibility of erosion increases. By reducing your consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks, we can help reduce erosion. Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow or rinsing with water for 30 seconds can also help.

Using a fluoridated tooth paste and having fluoride treatments after your dental cleaning will help reduce cavities. If you have more questions about your teeth or want to come in for a dental cleaning, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates. We would love to help care for your pearly whites.

When is Thumb-Sucking Cause for Worry? From Seattle Dental Associates

Lots of you have asked us at Seattle Dental Associates whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Take Our Smile Analysis to See if You Are a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry -- Seattle Dental Associates

At Seattle Dental Associates, we know how important it is to smile. Smiling makes you feel good, so why not show your pearly whites? If you find yourself not smiling that often, ask yourself these important questions:

Do you ever smile with your mouth closed or hide your smile behind your hand to prevent others from seeing your teeth?

Does the appearance or color of your teeth embarrass you?

Do you avoid smiling because you do not want people to see your teeth; or do you smile a certain way when your picture is being taken because of your teeth?

Do you have old metal fillings in your back teeth that show a lot of cause noticeable dark shadow or graying of your teeth?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. In fact, anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of his or her smile is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry.

A smile makeover can change your life – make you look and feel younger, more attractive and more confident.

Take our Smile Analysis Survey by clicking here.

If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry or want to come in for a consultation, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates.