March is Nutrition Awareness Month in our office

Heidi and Jessica have come up with some entertaining monthly themes for 2010. This will give us a reason to discuss certain things, and hopefully add some fun to your visits with us.

This month is Nutrition Awareness Month. We've put some samples of 100% Xylitol gum on the front counter of the office. This is truly one of the best ways I know of to help reduce the acids in your mouth that cause cavities. Chewing 8 grams of 100% Xylitol a day (2 pieces, four times a day) is proven to reduce decay. Great stuff for parents with little ones. When you share forks, spoons, etc, you are transferring the bacteria from your mouth to theirs. Did you know that infants have "sterile" mouths - meaning they are not prone to decay until inoculated by someone else. Chewing Xylitol gums or sucking on mints has been shown to prevent the transmission of the bacteria that cause decay to your kiddos.

Obviously, good healthy foods, like apples, lettuce, celery, carrots, etc will have a natural cleansing ability due to their fibrous nature. Green Tea has been shown to improve gum health, via antioxidants.

All in all, just good information to have for you and your family. Check out the Academy of General Dentistry's website for the public: www.KnowYourTeeth.com for more information.