We all know that eating lollies can be harmful to our teeth. But do you know that soft drinks can be just as bad?
The Australian Dental Association says that Aussie kids are drinking more soft drinks and sports drinks – and getting more holes in their teeth.
South Australian researchers found a 71 per cent increase in tooth decay in 14 and 15-year-olds between 1996 and 2002. That means a lot of fillings!
When we eat or drink sugary foods, the sugar wakes up bacteria in our mouths which attack our teeth for at least the next 20 minutes. Munching on sugary snacks between meals can mean more attacks and more chances of the bacteria causing holes.
Sugar isn't the only damaging ingredient in soft drinks and sports drinks. Many fruit juices, energy, sports and soft drinks contain acid which wears away at the outer layers of teeth. This can cause sensitive teeth which hurt when they touch hot and cold foods.
To protect teeth when drinking soft drinks, the Dental Association says we:
- Should not swish the drink around our mouth
- Should use a straw
- Should drink tap water to wash our mouth after sugary drinks
Drinking bottled water, rather than tap water, may also be causing more tooth decay. This is because most Australian tap water contains 'fluoride', which protects teeth against decay. Bottled water has no fluoride so tap water is best for teeth.
The Australian state with the highest average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth in six-year-old children is Queensland, where fluoride is less common in tap water.
Another way to look after your teeth is to eat plenty of dairy products, which contain calcium, and lots of fruit and vegetables. Eating two serves of fruit and five of vegetables every day will do a great deal to strengthen your entire body, including your teeth.
And don't forget to brush your teeth every day!
- Tim Pegler is the editor of www.fitness2live.com.au
References
Australian Dental Association website
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Armfield J, Roberts-Thomson K, Spencer J. The Child Dental Health Survey, Australia 1999: Trends across the 1990s.
Related reading:
Build Better Bones
Calcium Cool for Cats - and Kids
Soft Drinks, Soft Bones
