Are Your Gummy Vitamins Causing Cavities?

July 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Children's Dental Health,Dental Health — Tags: , — southlakedental @ 2:05 pm

Swallowing vitamins can feel like a chore, and some children and adults have difficulty swallowing pills, especially large ones. Gummy vitamins seem like a fun and tasty way to ensure that you get the nutrients or supplements that you need. While they may have started out as a way to make vitamins more appealing to children, plenty of adults now use them as well. But are they hurting your teeth?

High Sugar Content

If you’ve ever accidentally bitten down on a vitamin that was meant to be swallowed whole, you probably remember the taste. Vitamins may be good for you, but they tend to have a bitter and unpleasant taste. So why do gummy vitamins taste like candy or fruit snacks? The answer is simple: lots and lots of sugar.

Bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth consume the sugars that are left behind on your teeth and convert it into acid. That acid is what wears away your tooth enamel and causes cavities.

Citric Acid

Of course, you could always opt for sugar-free gummy vitamins. These contain artificial sweeteners that may not be as likely to harm your teeth. But another component of gummy vitamins is the citric acid used to give them their fruity flavors. Remember, acid is what really wears away your enamel.

A Sticky Situation

It’s easy to think that the effects of gummy vitamins on your teeth will be minimal. After all, you’re not chowing down on a whole bag of gummy bears – you’re probably only taking one or a few vitamins at a time.

The problem is that the sticky consistency of the gummies can leave residue on your teeth that lasts for hours. Sugars left on your teeth from less clingy substances can more easily be washed away by your saliva if you can’t brush right away, but the sugar and acid from gummy candy or vitamins tend to hang around.

Your best bet is to opt for non-chewable vitamins, although if you have difficulty swallowing, liquid vitamins or the powdery type of chewable vitamins leave residue that is easier to clean off your teeth. If gummy vitamins are the only tolerable option for you, make sure to take them at a time and place when you can brush your teeth afterward.

Dental Credit Cards and Loans

July 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Insurance and Financial Information — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 4:18 pm

One fact about dental care is that it can be expensive. While dental offices try to keep procedures as affordable as possible, the materials used are pricey and there is a lot of additional overhead in a dental office. Many people have dental insurance, but if you need a lot of work done in one calendar year, it might not stretch as far as you’d like it to. What is the answer? If you don’t have the cash available to spend on your treatment, an increasingly popular option to consider is specialized financing in the form of dental credit cards and loans.

At Southlake Dentistry, we offer a variety of options so you can get your dental work done without having to worry about dipping into your savings or not being able to pay the electric bill.

Two popular dental credit cards are CareCredit and Citi Health. These two companies can also be used for other types of financing, such as eye care and, in the case of CareCredit, veterinary care. There are sometimes special incentives, such as 6 months interest-free. To make it even simpler, you can apply for these right in our office and get an answer immediately. Be sure to get all of the terms so you understand the interest rates, annual fees, and other specifics of the agreement.

We also work with Prosper Healthcare Lending, which is a different type of financing company. With Prosper Healthcare, you will also get an immediate response and you can spread out your payments over a longer period of time. This can be very helpful if you have a lot of work to be done.

It is our goal that every patient can get the dental treatment he or she needs for good health. If you are not sure how you will pay for your dental care, don’t hesitate to ask about these payment options. Many patients are in your situation and we can help you by letting you know about the different programs available. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!