Sue Madden RDH BS Dental Associates CHILDHOOD DECAY EPIDEMIC: PREVENTABLE
Prevention
Brush with a soft brush morning and night Brush in a circular motion with brush on both teeth and gums for at least 2 minutes Use fluoride toothpaste Floss or picks can be used between teeth Brush the soft tissues of the mouth including tongue and cheeks Rinse with a fluoride mouthrinse if decay history Use xylitol products Tips for Daily Care of Teeth
Sports and energy drinks
Consumption now includes large quantities of sports and energy drinks. Teenage boys drink, on average, three or more cans of soda per day. 10 percent of boys drink seven or more cans each day. The average for teenage girls is two cans per day, 10 percent of girls drink more than five cans every day.
Erosion and tooth loss
Quantity Acidity Sugar Timing
4th and 5 th graders. Are targeted with two science lessons.
Educate through science labs to measure acid, sugar and pH levels of various drinks
Sugar multiplies the acidic effects of drinks. Some sodas and energy drinks have up to 13 teaspoons of sugar!
Dentistry fights back … Knowledge is power!