Acidity is measured on a pH scale of zero to 14.  A pH of 7 is “neutral” and anything under 7 is acidic.  For example, milk is usually around 6.7 and water is about 7.3 (“pure” water is technically neutral = 7).      Batery acid is near 1.0 and lemon juice is around 2.0 (very acidic).  Base liquids like ammonia or lye are usually between 12-13 pH.

The pH scale is logarithmic. meaning that a pH of 4 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 5 and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 6.

In the last couple of decades, soda and sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc) have become much more available and manufactured in containers that can be resealed, allowing for continued use for long periods of time.  Athletes and people who work outdoors like to use sports drinks to replenish fluid and electrolytes.  These drinks (and a number of others) can be damaging to your teeth if used over long periods of time.

According to some reports, sports drinks can range in the area of 2.3 – 4.4 pH and soda from approximately 2.7 – 4.0 pH.  As you can imagine, even at the high end of that range, these types of drinks can be very acidic.

Although it probably isn’t realistic to think that our patients will never drink soda or sports drinks, it is important to know that the more exposure to acid (and sugar), the more you will damage your teeth.  If you do drink these types of liquids, it is a good idea to limit the amount of time they are in your mouth.  it takes only seconds for acid to soften your teeth and hours for saliva and fluoride to repair (remineralize) the enamel.  Knowing that, it makes sense that sipping on drinks for a long period of time is much more damaging than drinking them in a short time.

Don’t give your teeth an acid bath all day long by sipping on acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, iced tea (pH near 3.0) or citrus drinks like grapefruit or orange juice.  You only get a limited amount of enamel on your teeth – treat it well and it can last a lifetime.

Allyn was an outstanding athlete in high school and college, competing in Roller Figure Skating, track and volleyball.  She has been actively involved with the Susan G Komen Breast cancer Foundation and other cancer organizations after losing her mother to cancer at age 16.

Allyn was recently in the national news when she indicated that she would undergo a preventative double mastectomy after her obligation to the pageant had been completed.  We wish Allyn health and success in the New Year.

As a result, Nana became Miss USA when the current titleholder won the Miss Universe title.

We were pleased to have been able to help Nana achieve her optimal smile and happy about her many successes.

Here’s the photo :

Best wishes for a fun and safe Halloween !

As a member of the Women’s Board, Dr. Linda ran the Sno Cone and Cotton Candy booth again this year with help from friends and family.

Each year, all funds raised support Women’s Board pledges made to MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and their Scholarship Program, for students pursuing a degree in healthcare.

The Bazaar has been a community tradition in Olney that began as the “Hospital Supper” in 1920.

Here is a link to the Hospital webpage for the Women’s Board – check out the photos form past years of the Bazaar:

http://www.montgomerygeneral.org/body.cfm?id=251

Look for the announcements for the festivities next July and come out to support the good work of the Women’s Board.

She is a very impressive young woman, with a history of academic achievement, starting a charitable organization and playing college athletics at the highest level.  She is sure to be successful in any of her future endeavors.

Congratulations to Nana on her achievement and her fantastic smile.

As usual, Dr. Linda helped with sideline organization & first aid in addition to baking the county’s best victory brownies for the team.

The Warriors made it to the region finals, while posting the 2nd longest winning streak in team history.

The team also ended the season with the 2nd best defensive rating in team history, holding opponents to only 5.31 goals per game.

Sherwood had 10 players selected to All-Division teams and 3 honored in the post-season as All-County selections.

Congratulations on a great season and good luck in 2013.

In 2011, Miss Maryland, Allyn Rose finished in the top 8 at Miss USA and Kirsten Nicholson, Miss Teen Maryland, finished in the top 15 at the National Pageant.  Congrats to both on their success during their year representing Maryland.  We know that they will have very bright futures after their year is complete.  They have done a great job representing the pageant through all of their many responsibilities.  We hope they leave with great memories to go with their beautiful smiles.

He we are, recharging our battery between dental education lectures.