This course is expired and is no longer available for purchase.
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 dental professional 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 and arm the dental professional with the knowledge needed to educate patients on their beverage choices.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the reader 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. Be familiar with the oral implications associated with beverage choices and provide interventions to promote remineralization and a homeostatic oral pH
4. Be better equipped to educate patients on the risks of beverage choices as related to the dental caries process
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