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Kids and teens love sports drinks.  In fact, studies have shown that these “thirst quenchers” are consumed by 62% of adolescents every day.  But are they good for your child’s body or teeth? And are they truly necessary for sports performance?  Here are a few facts:

Sports drinks contain more sugar than you may realize.

After water, the second ingredient in some popular brands of sports drinks is high fructose corn syrup. Some sports drinks contain as much as 19 grams of added sugar which means that bacteria present in your child’s mouth are being given exactly what they need to grow.

The high acidity of sports drinks can damage tooth enamel.

A 2012 study showed that sports drinks often have high acidity.  This acid interferes with the mouth’s ability to regulate a healthy pH and can lead to the wearing away of enamel.  While tooth enamel is literally the hardest substance in the human body, it’s no match for a steady stream of acid.

Sports drinks are full of salt.

Some sports drinks contain up to 200 milligrams of sodium per serving.  Keep in mind that a “serving” is usually 8 ounces, which means that a large bottle of the leading sports drink can have more sodium than a bag of potato chips.

Sports drinks can be high in calories.

Even though they generally contain fewer calories than soda, sports drinks can still be high in calories due to their serving sizes and the large amount that many kids drink.  Sports drinks make up 10-15% of the daily caloric intake of most teens and aside from their intended purpose, these beverages aren’t always consumed in conjunction with sports.

Sports drinks are best suited for intense physical activity.

If your child is participating in an intense game with constant movement and an elevated heart rate, a small serving of sports drinks may come in handy from time to time.  But most youth sports don’t involve that level of activity.  Fluoridated water is almost always a better choice.

The bottom line is that most kids don’t really need sports drinks.  Consuming what amounts to sugar water simply isn’t necessary for the majority of sports or outdoor activities.  We encourage you to read labels and be aware of everything your child drinks.  Keep your child hydrated and make certain that you child is drinking plenty of water.

We’re so excited to announce a new addition to our starting lineup. Starting in March, we will be adding another wonderful pediatric dentist to our team: Dr. Kaitlin Jennison!

We have extremely high standards at Union Pediatric Dentistry, and we are confident that the care you will receive from Dr. Jennison will match the service you’ve become accustomed to at our practice.

Originally from the East coast, Dr. Kaitlin Jennison graduated summa cum laude from Colgate University with a degree in neuroscience. Upon graduation, she was awarded a training fellowship at the National Institute of Health, where she worked for two years on a clinical autism study.

From there, Dr. Jennison moved to California to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. At UCSF, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and received several awards for her commitment to public health.

Following dental school, she completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where she received advanced training in sedation, treatment of children with special needs, and dental trauma.

Dr. Jennison recently finished her qualifying exam for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is currently a member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Ohio Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association, and the Cincinnati Dental Society. She continues her public health work with the Cincinnati Junior League's oral health initiative.

Dr. Jennison loves building relationships with her patients and is committed to making your child's visit to the dentist a comfortable and fun one! Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, skiing, kayaking, and cooking.

We hope that with Dr. Jennison’s help, we’ll be able to offer more appointment options for your family. Feel free to stop by the office and help us welcome her to the team!

Bad breath can affect people of all ages.  Using mouth sprays and mints only cover up symptoms because bad breath is the result of bacteria build up. When air passes over that bacteria, it dries and causes a foul smell. There are four easy ways you and your children can avoid this persistent problem and have a healthier mouth in the process.

1. Brush Regularly.

It may seem obvious that we should all brush our teeth twice every day and floss daily to keep our teeth clean, but many people forget that your gums need cleaning, too.  Just beneath the gum line, bacteria can make camp for a long visit. Brushing your teeth (and gums) for 2 minutes twice a day will keep your breath crisp and keep your mouth healthy. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush.  Hard bristles can damage gums and create a bigger problem.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper.

Your tongue is a soft, moist incubator for bacteria.  Tongue scrapers work to wake to wake up that bacteria and kick them out of bed. Use a tongue scraper after every meal to ensure there are no left overs still hanging around.  The less leftover food particles on our tongues mean less fuel for bacteria growth.  The advent of disposable tongue scrapers makes this an easy and convenient way to fight bad breath.  Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the tip and throw away.

3. Avoid Smelly (and Sugary) Foods.

What we put in our mouths can make a huge difference in the outcome of our breath.  Sugars from soda, candy and desserts feed the bacteria that give our breath its distinct smell.  Try avoiding sugary drinks and candies as much as possible and replacing them with sugar-free gum.  This increases the natural saliva flow in our mouths, which is a natural mouth cleanser.

4. Don't Neglect Regular Cleanings.

That feeling of a completely clean mouth cannot be matched by any home cleaning.  Staying on top of your oral hygiene can make a big difference for mouth odor, but there is only so much you're able do at home.  Dentists and professional dental hygienists know all the nooks and crannies that bacteria like to hide in.    Going to your regular dental appointments, every six months, will ensure that any spots that you cannot take care of in your daily cleaning regiment are properly tended to.

Why are you bringing on another pediatric dentisty?

Dr. Jennison joining the Union Pediatric Densitry team will allow us to serve our patients with more appointment options.

Will I still see Dr. Greenhill for my apppointments?

Dr. Greenhill and Dr. Jennison will begin sharing the care of their patients. On any given appointment you may see Dr. Greenhill or Dr. Jennison, or BOTH! Dr. Greenhill is extremely confident that all of his patients will quickly enjoy Dr. Jennison’s demeanor and her approach to patient care and communication with parents.

Will anything change for me?

Not at all! The same great service you have come to depend upon is still available – same team, same office, and one more dentist to serve your needs and help care for your children’s grand slam smiles.

Does Dr. Jennison do the same treatments?

We are always looking for ways we can serve our patient’s dental needs, and while there may be additions in the future, for now you can count on us to give your smiles the same quality care you are already receiving.

Is the practice name changing.

No, we will remain Union Pediatric Dentistry, offering the same great care and environment you have come to expect from us.

Is your office location staying the same?

Yes, our office will remain in the same location! The only change is now we will have two pediatric dentists to see you and give you great care!

Does Dr. Jennison have the same philosophy of care?

Yes, Dr. Jennison shares the same philosophy of care that Dr. Greenhill has. Dr. Jennison is joining the Union Pediatric Dentistry team because she believes in the work we do and is excited to join our practice and provide exceptional care to our patients.