We are pleased to see the publicity given recently to the consumption of soft drinks in schools. Many patients who have been in to the office have been amazed by the information on acidity and sugar content of many soft drinks given in a poster we have on display. We've reprinted a portion of the poster here for your benefit. Notice that a single can of Mountain Dew has eleven teaspoons of sugar. Could you imagine that much sugar in a cup of coffee?

Soft Drinks are Hard on Teeth Minimize the Risk: • Drink carbonated soft drinks   and sweetened liquids (like   fruit juice) in moderation. • Drink fluoridated water and   use a fluoride toothpaste. • Swish out your mouth with   water to dilute the sugar and   acid. • Use a straw to keep sugars   and acids away from your   teeth. • Never consume soft drinks   or juice at bedtime (liquid   pools in your mouth coating   your tongue and teeth). • Throw the cap away to   prevent ongoing sipping. • Read the labels - sweetened   drinks are high in sugar. • Get regular dental cleanings   to remove plaque (bacteria)   build-up on your teeth. Acid* (low=bad) Sugar** Tsp. Per 12oz.Serving (one can) PURE WATER 7 (neutral) 0 Barq's 4.61 10.7 tsp. Diet Barq's 4.55 0 Diet 7UP 3.67 0 Sprite 3.42 9 tsp. Diet Dr. Pepper 3.41 0 Diet Coke 3.39 0 Diet Mountain Dew 3.34 0 Grape Minute Maid 3.29 11.9 tsp. Mountain Dew 3.22 11 tsp. Fresca 3.20 0 Orange Slice 3.12 11.9 tsp. Diet Pepsi 3.05 0 Nestea 3.04 5 tsp. Surge 3.02 10 tsp. Gatorade 2.95 3.3 tsp. Dr. Pepper 2.92 9.5 tsp. Squirt 2.85 9.5 tsp. Hawaiian Fruit Punch 2.82 10.2 tsp. Orange Minute Maid Soda 2.80 11.2 tsp. Coke Classic 2.53 9.3 tsp. Pepsi 2.49 9.8 tsp. BATTERY ACID 1.00 0 *Laboratory test, U of M School of Dentistry, 2000 **USDA:4.2grams=1 tsp. Granulated sugar

The Life Stages of Your Teeth (252kb)

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and bones holding your teeth in place. If left untreated, the gums and bones holding your teeth in place can be damaged, leading to possible tooth loss. Periodontal disease is very common and affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States. Recent studies suggest a link between periodontal disease and other health complications including diabetes and heart disease.









I read the following article in the Variety section of the Star Tribune and I wanted to share it with you. ~Dr. Tony Boe

When you're busy balancing work, your family, friends and a personal life, it's easy to forget how important heart-health is to your overall well-being. With February being American Heart Month, it's a good time to look at ways to lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack, diabetes or stroke. Here are six tips to keep your heart healthy.

1. Load up on fruits and veggies: They're low in calories and high in heart-healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber. Get your daily fix by eating four to five servings a day.
2. Choose whole grains: They're naturally low-fat, high in fiber and full of vitamins and minerals that help regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol. As little as three servings per day can reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
3. Do some aerobic exercise: Walking, biking, swimming, running and dancing make your heart and lungs stronger, improve your stamina, and get your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers down.
4. Get some sleep: Aim to get around eight hours of sleep nightly to protect your heart, stabilize blood sugar and stay trim.
5. Drink more water: Dehydration and lack of water can cause blood to thicken, forcing your heart to work harder to pump it throughout your body. Drinking plenty of water each day will help regulate blood flow so your most important organ is not strained.
6. Quit smoking: Nicotine increases your cardiac muscle's need for blood that can flow through your blood vessels. Carbon monoxide bumps oxygen molecules off your red blood cells, which limits the amount of oxygen reaching your heart.