Australians are now consuming more sugar than ever before and the problem won’t be settling soon, especially with kids from all over the world who are trick or treating this Halloween.
The World Health Organisation recommends a daily sugar consumption equal to five per cent of daily caloric intake (25g or six teaspoons per day) but Australians consume much more. In 2011-12 the Australian Health survey revealed that Australians consumed 60 grams of sugar per day, or 14 full teaspoons. This is not good for our health, or especially our smile.
Sometimes it may seem easier to put off scheduling your regular dental appointment, however if you experience any of these symptoms, then it is time to check in with your dentist and make sure you avoid any potential lasting damage.
Stained Teeth
Teeth occasionally get stained from causes including; coffee, smoking or that second glass of red wine. Generally, stains go away after brushing however if you notice your teeth are not sparkling it may be time to organise a professional clean.
We’ve all heard at some stage of our life that we should reduce sugary foods and soft drinks in our diet if we want to help avoid getting holes in our teeth (decay) and keep them healthy for as long as possible, but are there any foods that are helpful for our teeth?
Well interestingly enough there are some foods that can have a beneficial effect on the teeth, gums and our overall oral health and they’re not too different to foods that are good for overall health.
Firstly, and possibly most obvious in terms of benefits to the teeth are the dairy products – especially cheese. Finishing a meal with a cube of cheese or even just as a snack can help remineralise teeth by providing a source of calcium, clearing food stuck in the chewing surface of teeth and stimulating saliva flow which will help prevent decay. Yoghurt and milk will have similar remineralising effects for teeth, as they are also sources of calcium, phosphorus and casein however they will not stimulate the protective and acid neutralizing effects of increased saliva flow as chewing on a harder block of cheese.
Fear is one of our most valuable instincts. It aids our self-preservation, reminds us to beware of certain situations and helps us with risk assessment however, unfortunately a fear of many Australians is regular, routine dental check-up.
If you find yourself cringing at the thought of a routine check-up, there are a few tricks you can use to help overcome this fear and prevent any future dental problems
Ask for a morning appointment.
If you find that the anticipation of an upcoming dental check-up is causing you stress, try to make an appointment for first thing in the morning. This will limit the time spent waiting anxiously for an appointment throughout the day.
Are you currently receiving Centrelink payments? If so, your child may be eligible for up to $1000 in treatment under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Contact our admin team to learn more about this program.
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