Rockside Family Dental Care

05/08/2025

We had a wonderful time at our last staff outing planned by our talented EFDA Brittany. We appreciate our dynamic both in and out of the office!

05/01/2025

William is smiling ear to ear after his smile makeover! Excellent upper denture created by Dr. Gibson, assisted by EFDA Jenna.

04/30/2025

Unexpectedly cracked a tooth? Do not fear, Rockside is near! Our daily extended hours simplify emergencies ☑️ Case done by Dr. Manchanda and EFDA Beata 🙂

04/30/2025

Wonderful case by Dr. Jeran and our expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA) Sue with clear aligners and six composite veneers!

04/29/2025

The Truth About Sugar and Your Teeth: What you need to know

When it comes to dental health, how you consume sugar matters significantly.

Natural vs. Added Sugars: While both can feed cavity-causing bacteria, there are important differences:

1. Natural sugars (found in whole fruits, vegetables, and milk) come packaged with fiber, water, protein, and nutrients that can help counteract some of their effects
2. Added sugars (in processed foods, desserts, candy, and sweetened beverages) typically lack these beneficial components and often lead to longer acid exposure

From a dental perspective, these sugar habits pose the highest risks:

1. Frequency of exposure: Snacking on sugary items throughout the day is worse than having sugar once a day
2. Sticky sugars: Caramels, dried fruits, and gummy candies adhere to teeth, prolonging acid production
3. Sipping sweetened beverages: Slowly drinking sodas, sports drinks, or sweetened coffee extends acid exposure
4. Hidden sugars: Seemingly healthy items like granola bars, flavored yogurts, and pasta sauces often contain significant added

Some foods and drinks that might not seem overly sweet can be problematic:

1. Starches: White bread, potato chips, and crackers begin breaking down into sugar in your mouth
2. Acidic drinks: Diet sodas and citrus juices might be sugar-free but still contribute to enamel erosion
3. “Natural” sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, and agave still feed bacteria just like table sugar
4. Dried fruits: Concentrated sugar and sticky texture make them particularly problematic for teeth
5. Protecting Your Teeth Without Giving Up All Sweets
6. Complete sugar avoidance isn’t realistic for most people. Instead, try these dental-friendly approaches:

Smart Sugar Consumption Strategies

1. Limit frequency: Consume sweets with meals rather than as separate snacks
2. Choose better options: Opt for dark chocolate (which dissolves quickly) over sticky candies like gummy bears or fruit snacks
3. Use xylitol: This natural sweetener doesn’t feed harmful bacteria and may actually help prevent decay
4. Drink water after sweets: Rinse away sugar residue and help normalize oral pH
5. Wait before brushing: After acidic foods/drinks, wait 30-60 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel

The Bottom Line
The relationship between sugar and dental health isn’t about complete elimination but rather smart management. By understanding how sugar affects your teeth, you can make informed choices that balance enjoyment of occasional sweet treats with protecting your dental health.

Remember: it’s not just the amount of sugar you consume but how and when you consume it that matters most. With mindful consumption habits and proper oral hygiene, you can enjoy life’s sweetness while keeping your smile healthy for years to come.

Rather than viewing sugar as the enemy, consider it something to be enjoyed thoughtfully—a perspective that leads to better dental outcomes and a healthier relationship with food overall.

For our full post check out our website:

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04/24/2025

Fake or Fact: Sugar Addition! How many did you get right?

Send a message to learn more

12/19/2024

It’s a poinsettia wonderland! 🎄☃️

11/29/2024

Happy Holidays From Rockside Family Dental Care 🦷

11/02/2024

It’s that time of year again! For the third year in a row our office will be collecting toys for tots until Wednesday, December 4th. Please feel free to stop in anytime during our posted office hours to make your donation! 🎁🎄

08/28/2024

Also joining our dental team is an amazing young lady that we knew would be a perfect fit for our team the moment we met her. Hailey is now a part of our very talented hygiene team. Some of you may have had the opportunity to meet her these past couple of months.
Hailey began honing her skills in the dental field as an assistant for three years before obtaining her degree in dental hygiene. She is currently a member of the ODHA and enjoys working closely with patients and educating them on the importance of their oral health. She is excited to build lasting relationships with our patients and would be delighted to see you at your next visit! Some of our patients and staff have already had their cleanings with her and can confirm that she is exceptional – just like the rest of our hygiene team.

08/27/2024

We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Kanika Manchanda to our exceptional team of doctors at Rockside Family Dental Care. We are so delighted to have attracted such a highly qualified dental professional to our practice.
Dr. Manchanda grew up in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, IL. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, with minors in biology, chemistry, and Spanish, from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Manchanda enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, from placing fillings to performing root canals, dental implants, overdentures, smile makeovers and Botox/Xeomin treatment. Dr. Manchanda is committed to providing personalized dental care tailored to each patient’s needs

07/23/2024

We were so busy celebrating, we forgot to post pictures last week! 😳

How many people do you know that have been dedicated to the same profession for 40 years? OK, then how many people do you know that have been dedicated to the same profession at the same company for 40 years? This guy! He loves what he does and it shows.♥️ Congratulations on 40 years at The Rock Dr. Carmichael!