Caries

Title

The Hidden Truths behind the Beverage Choices on the U.S. Market and the Threat they Pose to the Oral Cavity

Description

This course will discuss the changing landscape of American beverage choices. Bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks are increasing in sales each year. People have misconceptions that these beverages are healthier alternatives to traditional sodas; however, many of these substances pose a risk to the oral environment with their acidic nature and sugar content. The oral health care provider is in a key position to ensure patients are adequately informed of the risks versus benefits of their beverage choices. This course will discuss popular beverage choices, current caries statistics in the U.S., caries identification, and caries prevention.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the oral health care provider will be able to:

1. Understand the caries process as it relates to extrinsic acid attacks.

2. Differentiate between bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drink contents.

3. Identify the oral implications associated with beverage choices and provide interventions to promote remineralization and maintain a homeostatic oral pH.

4. Educate patients on the risks of beverage choices as it relates to the caries process.

5. Incorporate technology for the earlier identification of carious lesions and demineralization to decrease the need for more invasive treatment interventions.