Three things are needed to cause a cavity; a tooth, bacteria, and of course sugars, or fermentable carbohydrates.  It is well known that in our mouth starch breaks down to sugar.  As oral healthcare providers, we focus more on the foods in our diet that have high sugar content rather than the whole picture.  After listening to 24/7 Local Dentist, and implementing his Snack Guide in my practice I was inspired to create the Sticky Snacks Poster.

The Sticky Snacks Poster focuses on many of the snacks our pediatric patients eat.  Many parents do not know how sticky items such as chips, dried crackers, dried cereals, pretzels, cookies, dried fruit (such as raisins), and those “healthy” fruit snacks and gummy vitamins.  These common snack foods contain high amounts of fermentable carbohydrates.  As dentists we all know that the breakdown of these items leads to acid production, and subsequently the destruction of a tooth leading to a cavity.  Not all of our parents or patients realize the lasting impact of these sticky foods.  The poster provides an opportunity for passive learning which can serve to start a discussion with an oral healthcare provider.

24/7 Local Dentist advocates for asking permission when teaching oral healthcare.  The principles taught in his snack guide program have made a huge impact on my practice.  I no longer feel like I am lecturing parents, or my patients on proper dietary measures and oral hygiene practices.  I have gained confidence in educating my patients and their families during their preventative visits. It has made a positive impact on the growth of my practice.  His program teaches you how to provide the same information you were planning on telling the parent in a non-confrontational way.