FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
GULP…Are you a soda drinker?
There is a reason many schools have pulled the soda machines…the effect soda can have on your teeth can be destructive. Due to the low pH level of soda, drinking it makes your mouth acidic. This provides for the perfect environment for the sugars and acids to attack the enamel of your teeth. If the enamel is attacked, there is no defense or protection for your teeth. Without enamel, the teeth will decay and cavities will form.
Try to cut out soda from your diet. Drink water and milk instead. At least moderate the soda and work hard on proper oral hygiene. BRUSH AND FLOSS regularly. If you are having trouble eliminating soda completely, try the following tips to at least help prevent enamel breakdown:
DON’T….
- Sip all day. This will leave the teeth coated all day.
- Swish or leave the soda in your mouth when drinking.
- Drink soda before bedtime.
- Brush teeth immediately after drinking soda. Instead, brush your teeth at least an hour after because there is less risk of brushing away the already weakened enamel.
- Have multiple sodas a day.
DO….
- If you have to drink a soda, drink it with a meal when there’s lots of saliva present to break down the acid.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda.
- Use a straw placed toward the back of your mouth and not towards teeth.
- Drink soda in one sitting.
- BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
State Mandates
If you have received a letter in regards to a physical exam, a dental exam, or immunizations during conference time, please RETURN ASAP. These are state mandated reports and a MUST for school attendance. All students provisionally admitted to school in 2012-2013 due to incomplete immunizations must complete those required immunizations by April 29th or face exclusion from school.