November 2008

Sugar Substitute Sweeteners

Many of us are familiar with the artificial sweeteners called Equal and Splenda. These are commonly used in diet soda and added to coffee or tea. These items are approved and regulated by the FDA. Another common artificial sweetener is Xylitol which is often found in sugarless gum. Although this sweetener is safe for humans including pregnant women in can be deadly if consumed by dogs.

Equal contains aspartame and Splenda contains sucralose. Aspartame has potential and real toxicities. It is now being classified as a neurotoxin which causes severe adverse reactions. Splenda, a better option because it is not a chemical, is stable under heat and can be used for baking but it is a processed sweetener. 

Stevia also commonly known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf is a natural non-toxic calorie free sweetener. Stevia is an herb that is 300 times sweeter then sugar. It also has several medicinal uses; for example as a digestive aid, can be used in wound healing and to treat high blood pressure. Stevia is safer to consume then aspartame; although not FDA approved it is approved by the American Herbal Products Association because is considered a dietary supplement.

October 2008

Toothpastes

By Holley Kowalczyk, RDH

There are so many toothpastes out on the market.  Which one do you buy?  Studies are now showing that some toothpastes are too abrasive and can contribute to, if not cause, recession of the gums.  Some tartar control and whitening toothpastes can do just that.  In our office we recommend Colgate Total or Crest Pro-Health toothpastes as over-the-counter brands.  But our preferred toothpaste for many patients is Prevident 5000 Booster or Prevident 5000 Sensitive.  They are prescription strength toothpastes that you cannot buy over-the-counter.  They have five times the amount of fluoride as regular toothpaste and are not too abrasive.  They both help to greatly reduce the risk of decay, prevent recurrent decay, and remineralize decalcifying areas.  Of course, proper brushing and flossing and a healthy diet is necessary for these toothpastes to be most effective.  These prescription toothpastes can also decrease and even cure sensitivity.  Prevident 5000 Sensitive has potassium nitrate to further help with this problem.  It can be a cure for sensitivity while Sensodyne and similar brands tend to be just a bandage.  For more severe cases of demineralization and sensitivity, MI paste may be prescribed, often in conjunction with Prevident 5000.  These toothpastes are especially beneficial in helping to prevent recurrent decay around existing crown and bridgework. 

September 2008

Energy Drinks Aren't the Healthiest

By Dr. Bethaney Brenner

There's more to energy drinks that parents need to be careful about, before they buy and bring it into the home. Caffeine is the major concern as a few teens have had heart attacks after drinking several "small" cans of caffeine-loaded Red Bull & others.

Researchers have found that high consumption of energy drinks produces "toxic jock" behavior, a mix of risky and aggressive behaviors; also hyperactivity and headaches along with tachycardia or "heart attack" symptoms.

These drinks have 4-5 times the amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee. So multiple cans start to give the "buzz or high" that some teens look for. Also watch some sodas, ie: Mountain Dew & Coke as they have a lot of caffeine also.

These energy drinks have the potential to segway teens into troublesome behavior if no parental advice and information about these drinks is discussed

August 2008

Toothbrushes- Not all are equal

by Dr. Bethaney Brenner

Studies have show over the last 30 years that a manual toothbrush is OK but an electric toothbrush is better. Sixty percent more plaque can be removed if a GOOD electric toothbrush is used correctly. Which ones are OK? Studies clearly show us that the Rotadent is the most superior. However, it is not sold in stores and must come with lessons as technique is critical to its success. The next best is the Braun Oral-B Triumph followed by other Oral B electric toothbrushes; manual toothbrushes come in next and Sonicare is last (pushing water around is not removing plaque).

Why are electric toothbrushes better? They force you to clean one tooth area at a time and therefore the two minutes are reached easily. This makes the most efficient use of brushing time along with decreased decay and gum disease.

Cost can be a factor; the better ones are more expensive. For young teenagers the best options are a medium priced version however, once all permanent teeth are erupted the best electric toothbrush one can afford will give better long-term results.