Limit kids’ soda consumption for optimum dental health

Most parents already know that good dental health begins with a wholesome diet – and now they are being reminded to make sure their children do not drink too many soft drinks.

During the past few years, the American Dental Association and children’s health organizations have lobbied to restrict the sale of sodas at school – and in 2006 the major brands agreed to restrict sales of their drinks at schools by 2010.

However, new research suggests that despite these efforts, kids are still consuming too much soda.

Dental professionals warn that some of these drinks can contain as many as 12 teaspoons of sugar in a single 12-ounce serving.

With every sip of these beverages, naturally occurring mouth bacteria feed on the sugar, producing an acid that erodes tooth enamel and leads to decay.

Meanwhile, even sugar-free soft drinks can damage teeth, with carbonic or phosphoric acid dissolving the calcium element of enamel.

Still, it may be impossible to completely eradicate soda from a child’s diet – so when they do enjoy a soft drink, suggest that kids drink through a straw to limit the amount of tooth exposure to sugar and acids.

3D imaging gives dentists a new perspective

Taking a dental x-ray is a familiar ritual for both patient and dentist, used to detect cavities, monitor gum disease, and keep track of tooth and mouth development.

However, its ubiquitous status is currently being challenged by a new technology known as the i-CAT, which adds a third dimension to visual representations of the mouth and jaw.

The i-CAT uses cone beams to produce 3D images of an entire skull in less time and with less radiation exposure than a traditional CT scan.

With 3D reconstructions of a patient’s mouth, face and jaw produced in under one minute, a dentist has the opportunity to make an immediate diagnosis, with an accompanying image that can be shared with the patient.

The tool also offers a 3D mapping option that permits technicians to select particular slices from the main image for further analysis.

In some cases, the i-CAT may even help a dentist detect a potential problem before it worsens, such as jaw deformities, cysts and tumors.