Top Tips for Being More Sugar Savvy

Dental Health Week August 3rd-9th

Life is busy, not to mention challenging and filled with uncertainty right now. Being healthy is something that most of us are aiming for and as Coasties we are trying our absolute best to keep well especially during these times. Sometimes all you need is a little help from your local Central Coast dentist, which is where we come in.

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Your oral health is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing which is why it is important to brush and floss daily and keep on top of a good oral hygiene routine.

Most people understand how vital it is to do all we can to keep healthy, but did you know that all your good work could be being undone by sugars lurking in the depths of many of the processed food items you consume?

Sugar is everywhere in supermarket staples, even some that might appear to be healthy on the surface, and so this Dental Health Week (3 – 9 August) , we’re pulling back the sugary curtain to show you what’s really in the food you eat, and how this information can help you be healthier all over but especially in your mouth.

In other words, we at Saratoga Dental want you to become more “sugar savvy”.

Hiding in plain sight

You might think that a little extra sugar here and there isn’t such a big deal, but the odds are that you are taking in far more than you realise.

Figures show that the average Australian is consuming 14 teaspoons of sugar a day, which is considerably more than the maximum six teaspoons a day recommended by the World Health Organisation for increased health benefits such as decreasing the risk of tooth decay, which is having a profoundly negative effect on Australia’s dental health as revealed by Australia’s Oral Health Tracker.

Watch out for hidden sugar

Sugar can be called over 50 different names making it hard to detect on food and drink labels. These are known hidden sugars:

• Glucose
• Maple syrup
• Fructose
• Cane sugar
• Rice malt
• Honey
• Coconut sugar
• Sucrose
• Dextrose
• Molasses
• Saccharose
• Treacle
• Rice malt
• Castor sugar
• Raw sugar
• Date sugar
• Caramel
• Palm sugar
 

If sugar is one of the first three ingredients on the food label, then that item is less likely to be a healthy choice. Even if foods and drinks claim to have no added or refined sugars, can contain a lot of sugar. The closer the ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the more present in the food or drink.

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Below we show how easy it is to keep your teeth and gums healthy by following a few simple tips:

Brushing

Did you know only 50% of Australians brush twice a day? The reality is that a quick, occasional dash along your teeth with a hope and a prayer is not going to cut it. It is advised that you brush for at least two minutes twice a day, taking care to use a soft-bristled toothbrush (they’re less damaging to your teeth and gums than their harder counterparts) to clean your teeth systematically along all surfaces, always brushing in small, circular motions.

Flossing

Flossing (or using an interdental brush) once a day is important because it removes plaque from between your teeth which goes a long way in helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis (“bad breath”). It’s not something that should be rushed either. Take your time, using a gentle side-to-side motion with about 45cm wound around your middle fingers and thumb. If you’re not sure about the right technique, have a chat to your dentist who can show you all the right flossing moves.
Find out more HERE

Say “Hello!” To your Central Coast dentist

If you have a regular dentist on the Central Coast, and it is a good idea to have one since it means your teeth will get the consistent care they need, you should be seeing them more often than you probably are, with one survey revealing that 65% of Australians have not seen a dentist in the last two years. You should be seeing your dentist every 6 to 12 months or as needed to keep on top of your dental health. If you’re looking for a Central Coast dentist, you can contact us today! With locations all throughout the Coast, our lovely staff is sure to provide you a wonderful experience.

Please be assured that our practice is taking all infection control measure possible and doing everything in our power to keep you safe and well during this time. CLICK HERE to read more on extra precautions we are taking to ensure your health and safety.

Eat and drink well

Beyond limiting the sugar you eat, we recommend drinking more tap water which contains fluoride, avoid snacking between meals, instead sticking to three meals a day and focus on consuming enough vegetables and dairy products. Of course, before you make any major dietary changes, first check with a healthcare professional.

Now is the best time to visit your Central Coast dentist

Now is the ideal time to book in that dental appointment you may have been putting off.
Find out why HERE

Our friendly, caring, and professional team are here to support you and help you to achieve your healthiest self. Don’t delay, contact us and book today!

Resources: https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2020/Resources