Now that it’s getting warmer it’s even more important to stay hydrated! We would like to share with you acid levels of popular beverages and how it can damage your teeth. Not only does drinking high level acidic beverages cause damage but they can also cause damage to your digestive system. Even if it states sugar free a lot of times these beverages can also contribute weight gain.

Understanding the meaning of pH, this is the number that we measure liquid to determine if it’s acidic or basic. Any value below 7 is considered acidic and anything above 7 is basic with water being neutral at 7. Each increase in numerical value, the acid intensity increases 10 times! For example, if a lemon juice is a pH of 2 it ends up being 10 times more acidic than grapefruit juice at a pH of 3 and 100 times more acidic than tomato juice with a pH of 4. Each change in pH makes a dramatic difference!

Even though teeth are the strongest bones in our bodies, they can be damaged by what we drink. Excess intake of acidic beverages can wear down tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Most of our favorite beverages are highly acidic. We are not asking you to give up everything you drink and just drink water, but we want you to be informed and enjoy drinks in moderation. Also when drinking try to drink with a straw, not only does it decrease the amount of acidic contact and it also decreases straining on your teeth.

Keep water nearby so you can dilute the acid covering your teeth, while also increasing the silva production that helps protect enamel. Water has a neutral level of acidity, which won’t cause damage to tooth enamel. Also, DO NOT brush immediately after consuming beverages listed below… Why? Thirty minutes to an hour after consumption, the enamel of your teeth will be slightly softer, and brushing ends up spreading the acid around to other parts of your teeth.

Acidity of Beverages

Energy Drinks

Not only is energy drinks high in sugar content and critic acid pH that can be as low as 1.5. With the high sugar content and acidity not only does it cause erosion but it also promotes teeth decay! This includes Red Bull and Rock Star. You should be definitely avoid Rock Star due to the pH level of 1.5! (FYI a car batter pH level is at 1!)

Soda

Soda is one of the most acidic beverages out there! Not only acidic, but also high in sugar, causing even more damage to your teeth! Bacteria in the mouth turns excess sugar into acid that wars down tooth enamel. Most sodas have a pH of 3 or lower.

Fruit Juices

Most people would think fruit juices would be healthy, but they are actually high in acidic and contain lots of sugar. Most fruit juices at stores have added sugar and there is very little actual fruit in the juice. Eating whole fruits are way better for your teeth! Most fruit juices have a pH lower than 3.

Sport Drinks

Gatorade and Powerade are one of the most popular sport drinks. They have a significant negative effect on your teeth. Although they do help in re-hydration they are also highly acidic and can cause tooth enamel wear down. Most sport drinks have a pH of 3 or lower.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages also have high acidic levels! Wine, beer, hard liquor all have a pH balance of 4 and lower. Sweet wines are more acidic than beer. Alcohol can be damaging when paired with other acidic drinks such as sodas and fruit juices.

Coffee

Many people drink coffee daily! Not only does coffee cause discoloration, coffee has acidic levels that can lead to tooth decay.

Here is list of popular drinks and pH levels

NEUTRAL pH 7.00

Dentin dissolves below 6.50

Enamel dissolves below 5.50

Exactly one year ago today, on April 13, 2016, Viviana started at First Impressions Family Dentistry. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and boy are “they” right! Today, we are celebrating Viviana’s one year anniversary at the office. I’m going to give you a look at what is happening at our office today!

(when everyone walks in our office they will know today is Viviana’s one year anniversary!)

We had Grate Catering Co. provide us with; Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower, Grilled Asparagus and Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. We also went to Party House & Bakery to get Viviana’s favorite CREAM HORNS and some cupcakes as well!

(Today was a beautiful day, so we decided to eat at our picnic table!)

Happy Anniversary Viviana!

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

When you’re planning a family, visiting the dentist may not be at the top of our priority list. However, if you’re thinking about having a baby or are recently pregnant, a dental cleaning and check-up is best done sooner rather than later in your pregnancy.

Good oral health is a component of good overall health, both for you and your baby…

And the good news is, dental care is safe and essential during pregnancy.

Below are answers to common questions about dental treatment and pregnancy, as well as oral care tips for pregnant women.

Don’t forget to come see us during this crazy, chaotic time!

Morning Sickness

If you suffer from morning sickness, acidic destruction of your teeth can be a concern. If you are sick, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and wait 20 to 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid scrubbing the acid on your teeth.

Dental Procedures While Pregnant

When needed, dental work should and can be completed during pregnancy to reduce the chance of infections. This includes, fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions. The second trimester is the ideal time for treatment, since one you reach the third trimester, it may be difficult to lie on your back for an extended time.

X-Rays and Radiation

Routine x-rays can be postponed until after the birth. However, x-rays are necessary when performing many dental procedures. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus. Fetal organ development occurs during the first trimester, thus it is best to wait until after this time to get x-rays unless in a true emergency situation!

Regular Visits to Monitor Pregnancy Gingivitis

Increase in hormones during pregnancy increases blood flow to the gums, which can cause swelling and tenderness. It can also cause “pregnancy gingivitis,” caused by an exaggerated response to plaque on a pregnant woman’s teeth. If ignored, this can lead to periodontitis, and active destructive disease of the gums. The American Dental Association research links premature birth and low birth rate to women with periodontitis. Regular dental visits during pregnancy and a strict hygiene regimen can prevent the disease. Often, we will recommend an extra hygiene visit to monitor the tissues, gums, and teeth while pregnant, and even before the baby is born. (This is because it might be hard to make it to your regular scheduled appointment with a newborn!)