THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY YOU NEED?
A TIKTOK TREND INVOLVING PINEAPPLE JUICE
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a rite of passage for many young dental patients, and it doesn’t come without its fair share of stories. From viral videos of woozy patients crying post-surgery to entire blog posts about what to eat afterward, there’s no shortage of “expert” tips. In the last year, several videos of people drinking 64 ounces of pineapple juice prior to wisdom teeth surgery have gone viral on TikTok. The idea is that because pineapple contains bromelain, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, drinking the juice prior to surgery can reduce or eliminate potential swelling after the operation. The video
inflammation than their placebo counterparts. Another 2016 study found that bromelain offered a powerful boost to those who also took amoxicillin (which can have anti-inflammatory properties) post-surgery. It’s worth noting, though, that none of these studies included pineapple juice; patients were given supplements instead. Before you buy all the pineapple juice you can find, dental experts are cautioning patients against this trend. The reason is simpler than you think: It’s bad for your teeth! Pineapple juice is highly acidic, and it contains high levels of sugar. So, while you may lower your chances of swelling post-surgery, you could create an unhealthy oral environment right before a major trauma occurs in your mouth. Drinking something so acidic with open wounds in your mouth can be dangerous and painful, too. Furthermore, other health experts point out that too much pineapple juice can wreak havoc on your digestive system, menstrual health, and heart health. So, 64 ounces of pineapple juice may not be the answer for wisdom teeth surgery swelling, but dental professionals do greenlight drinking a serving or two prior to surgery — and before they need to stop eating or drinking — if patients wish to do so. It just may offer the little boost you need without the negative impacts of too much juice.
makers claim that their swelling was
minor post-surgery and encourage others to try this “hack.”
They may not be totally wrong. A 2014 study found that patients who were given bromelain supplements after wisdom teeth extraction surgery experienced less
SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN PLAY FOOTBALL?
February is host to a sports tradition that dates back more than half a century: Super Bowl Sunday! Whether your team is playing or not, the Super Bowl is the NFL’s biggest stage, and it’s arguably one of the most-watched events on the sports calendar. For impressionable kids, watching players on the world’s biggest stage can be like watching their heroes duke it out, inspiring many to join their own peewee leagues. But is that safe? In recent years, increased reports of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among retired players have some parents questioning if this great American tradition is worth it. Here’s what you need to know. Physical activity always comes with risks. It’s important to remember that all forms of sports can induce injury. Your child can sprain their ankle running in
track and field, just as they can while running down the football field. Proper technique, great coaching, up-to-date equipment, and clean play can all deter potential injuries. But fear of injury is not reason enough to keep a child out of a sport that can teach discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. However, prolonged exposure is the issue. This is where football deviates. While any sport increases the risk of injury, football’s consistent exposure to contact is what makes it more dangerous. A 2017 Boston University study first exposed this, citing that more than 99% of the 202 former NFL players had CTE, often categorized as a complex brain injury. That’s terrifying news for any parent. But knowing the risk can reduce the exposure. Since these findings have been made public, the NFL and youth football
leagues have made changes to their concussion protocols, equipment, and tackling techniques.
In fact, concussion reports in the NFL dropped by 24% in 2018. Furthermore, parents can arm themselves with this information not to discourage their children from playing football but to instead encourage safer play styles. For example, flag football can be a safer, healthier alternative for young players. If you’re concerned about your little footballer hitting the field, talk to your child’s physician about risks and preventive measures. And ask us about our mouthguard options for dental protection!
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