Preventing Cavities

The October 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) includes new research regarding the relationship between dental decay and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The research was conducted by Teresa Marshall, PhD, RD. Beverages containing sugars have long been associated with dental decay.  The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages which includes soda pop, juice drinks and energy drinks, increased for children and adults between 1977 and 1996. Fortunately, studies indicate that intake of sugary drinks has been decreasing over the past 10 years. Children consume approximately 40 percent of their added sugar intake in beverage form. Adults consume approximately 55 percent in beverages.

Your Bearable Dentistry hygienists and dentists recommend that you reduce your caries (cavities and dental decay) risk associated with sugary drinks and 100 percent fruit juice. Here are some tips:

• Consume sugary drinks and 100% fruit juice at meals only
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice intakes to once a day
• Limits total sugar-sweetened beverages to 12 ounces per day
• Consume sugary drinks within a 15-minute time frame
• Use a straw when consuming sugared beverages and 100% fruit juice
• Replace sugary drinks with artificially sweetened or unsweetened drinks
• Limit 100% fruit juice to 6-ounces per day
• Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste following consumption of sweetened beverages
• Chew sugar free gum immediate after intake of sugary drinks
• Rinse mouth with water immediately after intake of sugary drinks

Share information about your sugared drink consumption with your Bearable Dentistry dental professionals. We can help you make healthy choices to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime!