World Cavity-Free Future Day (WCFFDay) is on Wednesday, 14th October and is the international day of promoting the fight against cavity also known as Caries disease! It is a globally recognised cause that aims to highlight the progression and impact of cavity.
This year WCFFDay aims specifically, to create awareness amongst Australians about the importance of drinking water and encouraging people to make ‘the clear’ choice when choosing their daily fluid intake. In a country where water is so freely available it is a small request, for a healthier future for each and every Australian. We simply ask that you say no to sugary drinks and yes to water!
What is a cavity?
A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is the outcome of caries disease when left untreated. Cavities are the small holes that begin to appear in the structure of a tooth, eventually impacting the health of the tooth as whole.
Tooth decay is caused by an unpleasant layer of germs in your mouth also known as plaque. Plaque loves turning the sugar in food and drinks into an acid that eats away at your teeth, so not feeding the plaque with excessive sugar is a very good idea! If you continue to feed the plaque the nasty acid begins to wear away the enamel layer, leaving a white spot near the gum line eventually becoming a hole.
Dental Caries in Australia
Dental Caries doesn’t just affect people with poor oral hygiene, it affects all people of all ages from children to senior citizens. Children are particularly more vulnerable as the enamel on their teeth is thinner than that of the adult tooth. Around 42% of Australian children aged between 5 and 10 have experienced cavities in their primary or ‘baby’ teeth.
Additionally, on average young Australians with their adult teeth between the ages of 15 and 35 have around 4.5 teeth that are either decayed, missing, or filled. These recent statistics highlight the impact of the disease on Australians, as their teeth develop over time and should motivate each individual to be proactive against it from the early stages of life.
Preventatives and treatment
Caries can be prevented at all ages by being consistent with the following practices:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Limiting or avoiding sugary snacks when possible
- Having sweet meals and drinks in moderation
- Having regular dental check-ups
Failure of prevention, brings us to treating caries disease which in less severe cases and early detection can be controlled or cured. In this instance regular fluoride treatment or a filling is the most common remedy to restore a tooth structure and prevent further decay. You should see your dentist if you experience the following symptoms:
- Toothache or pain when biting
- Tooth sensitivity
- Brown, black or white stains on the tooths surface
Become Cavity Free!
Drinking water instead of alternatives eliminates a high percentage of your exposure to tooth decay. Not only does it contain zero sugar and keep your mouth hydrated, but tap water also contains fluoride to shield of plaque. This most definitely makes water the ‘clear choice’!
By participating in WCFFDay and helping to promote awareness across all generations in our community, we can stop caries disease attacking Australians. So, pack a water bottle for your next trip to the beach and choose to drink water. Help make our local community cavity free!
References:
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/WCFF-Day-150902020
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-decay
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/healthy-teeth
https://www.acffglobal.org