New Device Invented to Help Protect Teeth -- Sipdisc Proves Useful to People With Disabilities

A new device, Sipdisc, holds straws firmly in place in juice or soft drink bottles, making it easier for persons with limited use of hands or arms to consume liquids. It reduces the need for assistance by care givers during meals or other times.

New York, NY (PRWeb) March 29, 2007 -- The SipdiscTM, a three inch disc, being introduced by dentists and dental hygienists to their patients to help protect their teeth from staining and corrosion when drinking sports or soft drinks, is proving especially useful as an aid to daily living for people with disabilities. Wlhen the straw is positioned behind the front teeth the liquid flows directly to the throat, reducing its contact with the teeth.

It's the brainchild of prominent New York oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Alex Greenberg. The lightweight Sipdisc is designed to fit over a typical juice or soft drink bottle or can, and securely hold a drinking straw in place. Sipdiscs are proving particularly beneficial to people with limited use of their arms or hands, for example, as the Sipdisc holds a straw firmly in the proper position for drinking during mealtimes, or snacks. Therapists and caregivers are finding that the ability of the Sipdisc to maintain the straw in a constant position, makes it easier for patients with limited physical capabilities to more easily drink liquids on their own, or with minimal assistance. Caregivers find that the Sipdisc aids during mealtime, by allowing a disabled person to use one hand to hold a drink, or alternate hands, reducing fatique/. Disposability also recues the need to clean glassware. A Sipdisc on a bottle or can can save the cost of a cup with a lid, which can be considerable for institutions.

The problem with simply using a straw in soft drink bottle, or in a cup, Dr. Greenberg points out, is that the straw tends to float about, or pop out. As a result, caregivers often have to stay close to a disabled person during meals or refreshment breaks and help hold the straw in place.

Dr. Greenberg created the Sipdisc in response to studies by dental researchers, as reported by the Academy of General Dentistry, that found that most soft drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks, with high sugar and acid content, have a corrosive effect on tooth enamel. The corrosion, the researchers found, results in an increase in tooth decay, cavities and staining.

In reporting on the research, the Academy of General Dentistry strongly advised that all soft drinks and canned and bottled beverages be consumed through a straw that is positioned behind the front teeth. This allows the beverage to pass directly to the back of the mouth and into the throat. Drinking through a straw is critical to keeping healthy teeth, according to the Academy, as it will reduce soda's contact with the teeth, and reduce corrosion.

The Sipdisc is produced with die-cut slits that fits firmly over a bottle or soft drink can, and properly holds the straw in the ideal position for drinking, and to protect the teeth. The straw then carries the drink past the teeth and into the back of the mouth. Its design prevents the straw from popping out, or falling into the soft drink bottle. It has the added benefit of completely covering the bottle opening and preventing any foreign substance from falling into the drink.

The Sipdisc, currently available on the internet at www.sipdisc.com, ir by calling 212-888-3472.

It will soon be available in dental catalogs from the Sullivan Shein division of Henry Schein, and in retail outlets. In addition to maintaining an active practice as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Greenberg, affiliated with Mt. Sinai Medical Center, is an avid inventor, and holds 10 patents for various medical products.

*Soft drinks may have high levels of tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid and malic acid. Fruit juices may contain citric acid, malic acid and chelating carboxylic acid.

Attention Editors: Product photos and Sipdisc samples are available.

Media Contact:

Marty Gitlin

Duran/Gitlin Group

(914) 528-7702

durangitlin(at)optonline.net

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