08 Oct Choose water for a cavity-free future
The third annual World Cavity Free Future Day (WCFFD) on October 14, 2018, is an initiative launched in 2016 by the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF) to address the need for greater global awareness of dental caries (cavities).
Why is World Cavity-Free Future Day Important?
Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease on the planet, despite being largely preventable. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults suffer from cavities, which can dramatically impact the sufferers’ quality of life through pain and discomfort, missed days or decreased participation in school and work.
Helping individuals understand the importance of taking control of their oral health, starting by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and reducing their frequency of sugar intake, is a key step on the road towards reducing the number of people who develop cavities and helping secure a cavity-free future for generations to come.
During this year’s campaign Australians are being urged to join the fight against tooth decay by choosing water over alternative sugary drinks.
Why choose water for a cavity free future?
Strengthens your teeth
Drinking water with fluoride (called “nature’s cavity fighter”) is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.
Keeps your mouth clean
Drinking juice, soft drinks or sports drinks may help you wash down your meal, but they can leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth. Many of these drinks also have added acids (phosphoric, citrus or malic acid) to make them taste less sweet, but those acids also cause trouble by eroding away enamel. Water, however, cleans your mouth with every sip.
Helps fight dry mouth
Saliva is your mouth’s first defence against tooth decay. It washes away leftover food, helps you swallow with ease and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride. When your saliva supply runs low, dry mouth may put you at risk for tooth decay. Drinking water can help cut your risk as you and your dentist work to find the best long-term solution for you.
Calorie-Free
Sweetened drinks that are high in sugar and calories, create a perfect storm that puts you at risk for cavities and other unhealthy consequences like weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that drinking water can actually help you lose weight. So, the next time you need a drink, go guilt-free with water to take care of your body and your smile.
Have you had a dental check up lately? Book your appointment with the team of experienced Newcastle dentists at Boulton Dental today, call 4961 6300 or book online.
https://www.worldcavityfreefutureday.org
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