Tooth decay
- Australia's most common health problemOfficial government reports show it is the second-most costly disease linked to diet, with approximately 11 million newly decaying teeth arising every year. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), what makes this particularly concerning is that 90 per cent of problems with teeth can be prevented.
With a healthy diet, good oral practices and proper dental care, there should be no reason why people need to suffer tooth decay, which can eventually become painful, unsightly and – in worst-case scenarios – irreversible.
A study by the ADA showed 57 per cent of people in the country think they will get tooth decay at some point in their lives, but the organisation’s chairman, Dr Peter Alldritt, said the themes of this year’s Dental Health Week – which takes place from August 6 to 12 – could help tackle this belief.
He said: “It’s clear from an aesthetics point of view, healthy teeth are important to us but it’s concerning that so many Australians accept they or their children will at some point be affected by decay.
“This doesn’t have to be the case and it certainly shouldn’t make people complacent about their teeth.”
Bad breath tops Australian’s biggest turn-offs
An overwhelming amount of respondents (83 per cent) considered bad breath or rotting teeth to be the most repellent characteristic in another person on a first date, soundly beating other unsavoury features such as bad body odour (five per cent) and poor dress sense (four per cent).
One of the most important elements of maintaining healthy teeth is a good diet, Dr Alldritt said, adding: “The number one cause of tooth decay is consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis.”
The mouth’s bacteria convert these sugars into acids, he explained, which dissolve the surface enamel and weaken the tooth – resulting in holes and cavities. But there are a number of ways for people to prevent this from occurring before it becomes too late to treat.
How to tackle tooth decay?
While it may be difficult to wean youngsters off their favourite treats, Dr Alldritt recommended the encouragement of alternative snacks – such as cheese and yoghurt – both of which contain lots of calcium to protect teeth and neutralise acids.
A healthy diet alone won’t be enough to fight off tooth decay though, the ADA warned, with maintaining a structured oral hygiene routine also being vital. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, while daily flossing is also required.
Despite this, around one-third of Australians admit to just one brush per day, with a large majority deciding to skip it in the evening, right before they go to bed.
Mums and dads are asked to take particular care, with nearly 35 per cent admitting their children only brush their teeth once a day. Worryingly, according to the ADA, more than 60 per cent feel it is inevitable their kids will suffer from tooth decay during their lifetime.
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