December 18, 2023, Australia – As the festive season and school holidays approach, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is emphasizing the importance of oral health. Amidst the revelry, which often includes increased sugar consumption and alcohol intake, the ADA has launched an Oral Health Survival Kit. This initiative aims to prevent mouths from becoming ‘Christmas casualties’ in light of the rise in tooth decay, the most common chronic disease in both adults and children.
Recent statistics are a cause for concern: 42% of Australian children aged 5-10 years have experienced tooth decay in their primary teeth, and 24% of children aged six to 14 have experienced decay in their adult teeth. Additionally, 27% of five-to 10-year-olds have untreated dental decay. The ADA notes that one in six teenagers consumes over 5kg of sugar annually from sugary drinks alone, equating to the weight of a family cat.
Dr. Scott Davis, the new President of the Australian Dental Association, highlights the risks associated with the festive season. “While Christmas and summer break are Australia’s favorite times of the year, they present more opportunities for eating foods and having drinks that can harm teeth, and for oral injuries to happen during holidays,” he said.
The ADA’s Oral Health Survival Kit includes practical tips to navigate the holiday season without compromising oral health:
- Mouthguards: Essential for outdoor activities and sports during the break, mouthguards protect against dental injuries. Dr. Davis, a prosthodontist from Port Macquarie, stresses their importance, noting that custom-fitted mouthguards from dentists offer the best protection.
- Mindful Eating and Drinking: Moderation is key during festive indulgences. The ADA encourages thoughtful eating and offers a Tooth-friendly Treats Cookbook with dentist-recommended recipes, the sales of which support the Australian Dental Health Foundation.
The ADA’s Tooth-friendly Treats Cookbook includes 20 dentist-recommended sweet treat recipes that are great to get you through the holiday season when you want something sweet. It makes a great Christmas gift and profits from the sales go to the Australian Dental Health Foundation, which helps disadvantaged Australians access dental care. Purchase the hard copy or e-book at: www.teeth.org.au/teeth/Shop - Avoid Hard Candies: Candies like candy canes, made of 100% sugar, can lead to broken teeth or fillings and increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Limit Sugary Drinks and Alcohol: Opt for healthier alternatives like soda water as a mixer and drink water between alcoholic beverages to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Flossing: Essential for removing food debris between teeth, flossing complements brushing in maintaining oral hygiene.
- Utilize Dental Benefits: The ADA urges families to use their Child Dental Benefits Schedule entitlement, which covers dental work for eligible children.
- Pre-Holiday Dental Checkups: Booking dental appointments before traveling can prevent dental emergencies away from home. Maintaining dental basics like brushing and flossing during travels is also crucial.
Dr. Davis adds, “We want all our workers to make it to this break safely, so SafeWork is asking those working on construction sites across the state to continue upholding safe work practices despite the festive season.”
For more information on maintaining oral health during the holidays and to access the ADA’s Oral Health Survival Kit, visit the ADA website. This festive season, the ADA encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly while keeping their dental health in check.
