Eating Too Much? Eat Less With Smaller Bites;

Discreet Oral System Slows Eating, Reduces Food Intake

By Karen Nation, D.D.S.

Eating too much? The problem isn't just what we eat; it's how we eat. Americans eat so fast, there isn't time to feel full, and so we keep on eating, consuming more calories than we need. There is now a new way to help people eat less - the Dental Diet System. It lets you eat less food, by slowing eating and retraining you to take smaller bites.

The DDS is a discreet oral appliance that forces users to take smaller bites, giving the natural "satiety response," or the feeling of being content that makes us want to stop eating, a chance to kick in.

Under development for three years by Atlanta-based Scientific Intake, the patented DDS System is offered exclusively by a national network of dentists who are certified to provide the DDS System. Scientific Intake was founded in 2001 with a vision of improving wellness through oral behavior modification.

"Eating slowly and taking smaller bites is not a new concept, but it can be difficult to do," said Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D., director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, and Co-Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of Scientific Intake. "We are a nation on the run; people rarely linger over meals, and eating large portions fast has become a real problem. But we know from research that when you eat more slowly, that natural satiety response can be triggered and you can feel full sooner and therefore eat less."

According to the National Institute of Health's Guide to Behavior Change , changing the way you go about eating can makes it easier to eat less without feeling deprived. Slowing the rate of eating can allow satiety (fullness) signals to begin to develop by the end of the meal.

DDS is non-invasive and is custom-made to fit each individual from a simple impression of the teeth and palate. The complete system includes a guide and carrying case. DDS typically costs around $400-$500 (plus oral exam, if required).

Dr. Karen Kute Nation attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association, Louisville Dental Society and the Louisville Association of Women's Dentists. Landis Lakes Dentistry is located in Middletown . Dr. Nation and her husband have a one-year old daughter. Anyone interested in learning more about the DDS System can contact Landis Lakes Dentistry at 244-6886.