Anderson Dental Care - July 2024

ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGES WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR SMILE Sip Smarter This Summer

Nothing beats building lasting bonds and creating colorful memories while having fun with your kids. And one of the best ways to do that is with activities that ignite their imagination and spark their curiosity. One activity you can do together is making and experimenting with rainbow bubble foam. This sensory-driven craft combines vibrant colors with fluffy bubbles, stimulating creativity and fine motor skills while providing multisensory exploration. Children will be transported to a world of wonder, from the mesmerizing swirls of bright colors to the sensation of squishy foam between their fingers! Here’s a simple recipe to get the foamy fun started. 1. Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of child-safe bubbling body wash to a large mixing bowl. 2. Add food coloring of your desired color (the amount can vary, but more dye means more vibrant colors). 3. Mix with an electric mixer until stiff, foamy peaks form. 4. Repeat the previous steps for each color of foam you want to add to playtime. It’s that easy! To make the experience even more fun, provide scoops, cups, utensils, and other play items to mix in the foam and let your child’s imagination run wild. You can direct them to paint their best picture using the different foam colors, or if you don’t mind a little bit of mess, you can start a mini foam fight in your backyard or bathtub. (Food coloring stains can be removed from clothing with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda added to laundry detergent.) These fun playtime memories will stick with your child for the rest of their lives. The beauty of parenthood is helping kids embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and an adventurous spirit. SAVORING THE SWEET MOMENTS OF CHILDHOOD RAINBOW BUBBLE FOAM FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the season of refreshing beverages — from sugary lemonades to sports drinks. While these drinks are a delightful respite from the heat, it’s essential to understand how they can impact your dental health. Let’s explore how these tasty temptations can affect your teeth and share some tips on enjoying them responsibly. THE SWEET SIDE OF SUMMER DRINKS Lemonade, sweet iced tea, and sports drinks like Gatorade are staples of summer hydration. However, these beverages tend to be high in sugar. When sugar sits on your teeth, it feeds bacteria that produce acid, leading to tooth decay. Many of these drinks also contain citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel over time. TEMPERATURE AND SENSITIVITY Another aspect of summer drinking habits is the temperature of the beverages. Everything’s over ice, which might be causing more than just a brain freeze. Many people experience increased tooth sensitivity in the summer due to the consumption of cold drinks and treats. This heightened sensitivity can also make pre-existing dental issues more apparent. SPORTS DRINKS: ARE THEY NECESSARY? Sports drinks might seem essential for the athletes, but they aren’t always necessary, especially for casual exercisers, as they are sugary and acidic. During workouts, reduced saliva flow fails to neutralize these acids, which increases the risk of enamel damage. We often see athletes in great physical shape but with a mouth full of cavities from regularly consuming these performance enhancers. MODERATION AND CARE Even summer alcoholic drinks like frozen margaritas and just simple iced teas can stain your teeth and contribute to acid wear. The key is moderation. To protect your oral health while still enjoying your favorite summer drinks, try to: 1. Rinse Your Mouth: After indulging in a sugary or acidic drink, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acids and wash away sugars. 2. Use a Straw: This can minimize contact with your teeth, especially when drinking acidic beverages. 3. Wait Before Brushing: After consuming acidic drinks, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel. 4. Stay Hydrated With Water: Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. It helps produce saliva, which naturally combats the bacteria in your mouth. Remember, while summer drinks are enjoyable, taking care of your dental health is essential. Enjoy your favorite beverages, but be mindful of their impacts on your teeth. Cheers to a healthy, happy summer smile!

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