3 Things to Do Before Your Graduate Leaves Prepping for an Empty Nest?
You probably know that oral bacteria feast on sugar, which is why every dentist you’ve ever had (and possibly your mother) has told you about the dangers of eating candy. We can’t sugarcoat it either — sugar is bad for your teeth no matter what form it comes in. However, a few sugary foods have the worst reputations of the bunch, and it’s important to know what they are and why they have earned their status. WHY DO CHEWY, STICKY FOODS CAUSE CAVITIES? The chemistry involved in making food being chewy and sticky almost guarantees it’s packed with sugar, so we are off to a rough start. But the real problem is that sticky and chewy foods stick to your teeth, and even worse, they stick between your teeth. This means that even if you are a good brusher, but you don’t floss, you could end up a sticky creek with no paddle. A large percentage of the bacteria living in your mouth live between your teeth, and sticky foods are just the fuel they need to start making cavities. CAN STICKY FOODS PULL OUT FILLINGS AND CROWNS? Yes! We can assure you Dr. Brooks uses very strong adhesive for fillings and crowns. The glue is no Elmer’s paste! But the sticky properties of sugar are so strong that, over time, they can start to break down the effectiveness of the oral adhesive. We see many patients in our office who have come because a filling came out or a crown came off. One caramel or toffee may not cause a filling to fall out, but continually eating sticky foods will. It’s an ongoing battle between the adhesive and how often sticky foods tug on it. At some point, it gives out! WHICH COMMON STICKY FOODS SHOULD YOU AVOID? Anything that starts with a “gummy” (bears, worms, rings, etc.), Starburst, Skittles, taffy, caramels, and Swedish Fish are bad for your teeth. To make those foods even more corrosive, many of them have sour versions, like sour Skittles and Sour Patch Kids. A sticky, sugary candy that contains acid to form a sour flavor is almost the worst thing you could eat. Remember: Combining sugar and acid and wedging it between your teeth is the quickest way to get cavities. Realistically, you can’t avoid all sticky, chewy foods — but you can be careful and brush and floss 30 minutes afterward to take care of any teeth-eating sugar residue! YES, AND HERE’S WHY Is Sticky Candy Actually Bad for You?
Congratulations to parents sending their children off to college or “the real world” this year! Parenthood is not for the faint of heart — from toddler meltdowns to angsty teenage years, you might be counting down the days to an empty nest.
Yet, that doesn’t make your child moving off to college any easier.
Fear not, for you can help your child live more independently at college in many ways and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your baby is going to be fine. PREPARE LEGAL DOCUMENTS Once they turn 18, your child is no longer under your care — legally speaking. You can no longer make decisions for them, including medical decisions, should they become incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions. Connect with a trusted attorney to create medical and financial powers of attorney that give you these rights. (Just consult with your child first befoare doing so!) COVER THE HOUSEHOLD BASICS If there’s one thing to look forward to, it’s all the laundry you won’t have to do anymore. And the fridge will be fully stocked without ravenous teens emptying it regularly! But before you drop your child off at college or their new home, make sure they can manage laundry, cook basic meals, and keep a tidy space. Some basics to cover include the difference between hot and cold wash and how to make scrambled eggs. MAKE A BUDGET Living as a broke young adult is almost like a rite of passage to “real” adulthood, but you can make this experience easier just by opening that often taboo door and talking about money. Explain
the processes or budgeting systems that work for your family and guide your child through their potential living expenses. Try test runs so they understand how much they will have to spend on necessities, like groceries, hygiene items, and gas.
Pro Tip: Before your children take off, don’t forget to schedule one more dental appointment! We can set up recurring appointments during breaks to ensure their oral health is never compromised.
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