THE STORY
(Video of broadcast follows)
Many people who work out consume large amounts of bottled water, water that contains little if any fluoride.Dental Patient Monica Croslin says, “It tastes better. And now I only pretty much drink bottled water. If I drink tap water, it’s just not the same.” Monica improves her health by exercising but may not be getting enough fluoride to prevent cavities. "I drink bottled water for convenience purposes," said Monica.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Most American cities add fluoride to the water supply. A diet high in sugar and acid also raises the risk of adult cavities.
Dentist Dr. Sergio Navarro says, "The Latino, we love sugar, so we definitely will have more cavities than the rest of the population. That’s probably because of all the sugar that we eat."
Dr. Navarro says among his adult patients, tooth decay remains a serious problem. "So if I see my patients have more cavities every six months they come, I will go ahead and put them in prescription fluoride," he added. Dr. Navarro recommends fluoride products for many of his adult patients.
Special toothpaste and mouth rinses contain higher amounts of fluoride requiring a prescription from a dentist.
You may be at higher risk for cavities as an adult:
* if you don’t drink fluoridated water;
* if you have a diet high in sugar;
* if you fail to brush and floss daily; or
* if you take medications that dry out your mouth.
Consider prescription fluoride products from your dentist.
If you’ve had cavities as an adult, talk with your dentist about prescription fluoride products for use at home. And cut back on your sugar in your diet, particularly sugary soft drinks and juice. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.
THE BROADCAST
STORY: ADULT CAVITY RISK
PRODUCER/WRITER: Sara Ivey
SCRIPT #840 SHOOT: 7/10/07
AIRDATE: Monday, July 30, 2007
DHC Master #22 Timecode: 22:30
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