Sports drinks have been around for some time as a way to replenish fluids lost during strenuous physical activity as well as increase energy. The drinks will increase energy to the extent that their primary ingredient is sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Sports drinks can even be more damaging to your teeth than cola type drinks, if consumed on a regular basis.

The other side of sports drinks is that they can cause tooth erosion, increased sensitivity and staining. The drinks can result in tooth wear and, possibly, damage bone below a tooth, resulting in severe tooth damage and loss.

If you are going to drink sport beverages, do so smartly.

• Drink them in moderation
• Alternate a sport drink with water or low-fat milk
• Give the tooth enamel time to harden again by waiting at least 30 minutes before you brush
• Ask your dentist about an acid neutralizing, re-mineralizing toothpaste

If you have athletes in your home and have questions about the effects of sports drinks on their teeth, ask Dr. McDowell. Call our office at 952-473-4900 or use our request an appointment page.

Your mouth says a lot about your health. During regular checkups, Dr. McDowell is looking for signs that indicate other conditions that might be affecting your health. One of the reasons is the mouth contains countless bacteria that can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Advanced gum disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

A study in 2005 revealed that participants who had a dominance of bacteria also had thicker carotid arteries, which is used as a measure for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The medical theory is that bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel the body causing inflammation. A UK study in 2010 also showed, after adjusting data for the other risk factors, social class, and family history, that of the participants who admitted to brushing their teeth less frequently (less than twice a day) had a 70% extra risk of heart disease.

A couple of minutes two times a day can help you keep your heart healthier. Ask our Hygienists if you have questions about your daily dental routine. Dr. McDowell can discuss your concerns about the health of your mouth and your body.  Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa is conveniently located if you are in the Wayzata, Plymouth, Minnetonka or Lake Minnetonka area.

We all know flossing is an important step in caring for your teeth and should, at the very least, be a once a day part of your dental hygiene.

Flossing before brushing dislodges particles in between the teeth and this allows for the toothbrush and toothpaste to do their job even more effectively. However, some people prefer flossing after brushing to end their brushing routine with a cleaner feeling. Either way, what is important is that you floss.

There are two types of floss: unwaxed and waxed. Dentists usually prefer unwaxed floss because it is thinner and can slide through the small spaces between your teeth easier. Some people have much smaller spaces between their teeth and might want to consider waxed floss, as it will not get stuck or shred, which is uncomfortable.

If you have a problem managing the floss, there are also pre-threaded floss holders that help making flossing easier. If you have bridges, braces, or connected crowns, try a dental floss threader.

To leave your mouth with a fresh clean feel, try mint flavored floss. If you want to have some fun, try bacon floss… yes, it is bacon flavored waxed floss.

The message here is simple – FLOSS! It is important to your dental health. You can check our previous post on the proper way to floss. If you have questions about flossing, our Hygienists will be happy to help you. Call our office at 952-473-4900 or use our request an appointment page.