Think Before You Gulp That Sports Drink!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Sports Drinks & Oral HealthThey’re sweet, full of electrolytes, and make you sweat in technicolor (if you believe the ads). If the world’s most successful athletes chug sports drinks regularly, why shouldn’t you and your student athlete? Doctors and dentists point to two big reasons: sugar and acid.

Sports drinks are a very popular beverage, especially for younger athletes. Many teenagers consume sports drinks off the field as a sweet way to quench their thirst. Though it’s true that sports drinks contain fewer calories than sodas do, they still have similar amounts of sugar and loads of acid that can wear away tooth enamel.

Sports Drinks and Your Teeth

While the high sugar content in sports drinks isn’t great for your teeth (sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay), the most worrisome ingredient in sports drinks is the citric acid. When this acid comes in contact with your teeth, it softens and wears away the hard enamel that protects your teeth. This is called tooth erosion, and when left untreated, it can expose the sensitive, softer tissue of your teeth. A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found the acid in sports drinks can start to erode teeth in as little as 5 days of consecutive use.

What We Recommend

So how do you avoid harming your teeth after gulping a sports drink? Though it may seem counterintuitive, don’t brush your teeth right after you take a sip. Because the acid in sports drinks softens your enamel, your teeth become very susceptible to abrasion from toothpaste directly after consuming a sports drink. Instead, chew sugar-free gum or rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. We also recommend drinking sports drinks through a straw to bypass your teeth and brushing with an acid-neutralizing, remineralizing toothpaste with fluoride.

But the best way to avoid tooth erosion is to not expose your teeth to acid in the first place. Only drink sports drinks if you absolutely need the electrolytes. If you’re just thirsty (on the field or off), stick with water and try a banana for electrolytes. Unless we’re performing at an elite level or exercising for more than an hour at a high intensity, water is the ideal choice for rehydrating. That goes for student athletes and weekend warriors alike.

Wondering what effect your sport drink is having on your teeth or your child’s teeth? Schedule your dental checkup with Eggert Family Dentistry today. We’ll take a look at your enamel and recommend ways you can protect it.

Is In-Office Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening SystemThinking about whitening your teeth? You’re not alone. In a survey, the American Association of Orthodontists found a whopping 90 percent of patients ask about teeth whitening. If you’re after a whiter, brighter smile, you have several options, from whitening toothpaste and at-home whitening strips to professional deep bleaching. How do you know which product or procedure is right for you?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our patients often ask what their teeth whitening options are and if the at-home strips are a good option. While teeth whitening strips are possibly less expensive, easy to buy, and require no appointment, you do get what you pay for. Whitening strips can cause tooth sensitivity, irritate your gums, and are not effective at removing stains with gray or brown undertones.

Our Favorite Professional Teeth Whitening System

We offer a variety of teeth whitening and bleaching options at Eggert Family Dentistry, including professional strips and whitening trays that are gentler on your teeth and gums and more effective than what you can buy at the drugstore.

But one of our favorite options for fast and effective teeth whitening for most people is the Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening system. Our patients love the immediate results they see from their single, 90-minute appointment at our office. It is common for the Zoom system to lighten teeth 4 to 10 shades.

We love the Zoom Teeth Whitening system because it is very safe for our patients. Also, with the new LED light, there is virtually no sensitivity, unlike most over-the-counter options. The Zoom system is gentle on your smile and adjusts in intensity for your comfort.

Your Zoom Teeth Whitening In-Office Procedure

In our initial consultation, we’ll confirm if you’re a good candidate for the Zoom Teeth Whitening system. Your 90-minute teeth whitening appointment consists of some minor preparation, four 15-minute treatments, and post-treatment consultation to reveal the results and train you about any post-treatment home care that’s appropriate, including at-home whitening trays and sensitivity management education

We are excited to offer to the first 15 patients to respond to this link a free whitening consultation. If it is determined that you are a good Zoom candidate, you will be able to experience the Zoom Whitening system for HALF OFF at only $300 (normally a $600 value). Hurry! This offer expires May 15, 2017.

Ready to show off a whiter, brighter smile? The dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry can help! Contact us today to schedule your consultation.