Ustick Dental - November/December 2019

FIZZLED OUT?

How Seltzer Water Affects Your Oral Health

The latest craze to hit store shelves and patrons’ glasses is seltzer water. These light, bubbly drinks have become the go-to for health-conscious consumers who want to elevate their drinks with a little fizz. Health experts have praised seltzer water for offering the same level of hydration as regular H2O, but dentists haven’t been as quick to agree. Even though your teeth are protected by hard enamel, what we ingest can damage or destroy it, and seltzer water isn’t innocent. The carbonation that gives these drinks their bubbles also inflates their acidity. Dentists point to a high- acid diet as a contributing factor to enamel erosion, which includes sodas, citrus fruits, and — you guessed it — seltzer water.

However, don’t be too quick to throw away your LaCroix. Consuming seltzer water in

moderation, a maximum of once per day, and drinking regular water afterward will do little to damage your teeth. Opt for a straw if you want the seltzer to bypass your teeth completely. Keep in mind that this recommendation is for those who have a low-acid diet. If you regularly consume grapefruits, oranges, and lemons, then seltzer water may not be the craze for you. Note: Seltzer water is different than club soda in that seltzer water is purely carbonated by carbon dioxide. Club soda is comprised of other vitamins and minerals, giving it that unpleasant salty taste. Consider your dietary restrictions before you reach for one or the other.

TAKE A BREAK Please donate your non-perishable items at our office during regular business hours before December 18th

Dogs

GINGERBREAD Inspired by GoneToTheSnowDogs.com

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp dried powder ginger

Directions 1. Heat oven to 350 F. • 1 cup molasses • 4 tbsp honey • 1 cup water • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

2. In a medium bowl, combine molasses, honey, water, and oil, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well until dough forms. 3. Separate dough into four equal balls. Wrap dough balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–5 hours. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters to cut out treats. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes on baking sheet until cookies start to brown. Carefully remove treats from the oven and let them cool completely before serving to your dog.

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