Dental Health Week 2020 – August 3-9
This year the theme and dental health promotion is about ” How much sugar is hiding in your trolley?”.
Sugar is directly related to the formation of tooth decay in adult and children’s teeth.
Mouth bacteria which we have naturally, turn sugar we consume into acid which attacks the surface of teeth, and over time this can cause tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to infections of teeth that can be painful and result in tooth loss if not treated.
The theme for this year’s Dental Health week aims to provide you information on everyone’s knowledge on sugar consumption. We at Parklands Dental believe that prevention is the key to good dental health and knowing what you consume is part of this. There is a wealth of information that you can access through the links attached in this article which are easy to to read.
Did you know 48.7 % of Australians consume too much sugar? – see below for how to get “sugar savvy”
4 Steps to reducing the risk of tooth decay
Step 1
Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with small head and flexible neck.
- Choose a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Don’t press too hard – this can damage gums & tooth enamel.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
Step 2
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes.
- Do so at least once per day.
- Start flossing children’s teeth once they have two teeth touching side-by-side.
- Our team at Parklands Dental can advise you on:
Whether floss or interdental brushes are best for your teeth.
The best ways and techniques to use these products.
Step 3
Eat a nutritious diet, low in sugar.
- Limit your sugar intake as its single-biggest cause of tooth decay.
- Choose tap water as your drink of choice. Avoid sugar based beverages and acidic drinks (low pH).
- Read the Nutrition Information Panel on food labels to check sugar content.
- Choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, nuts and vegetables.
- Avoid snacking and grazing.
Step 4
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care
- Visit at least every 12 months.
- If you need to attend more regularly, your dentist will let you know.
- At your regular check up, your dentist will check for tooth decay, gum disease and perform an oral cancer screening.
3 KEY SUGAR TIPS
1.Consume no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of free sugar per day.
2.Choose foods that have less than 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
3.Look out for hidden sugars when purchasing foods and drinks.