Harmful effects of sugar on your teeth
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth using sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and damage the teeth.
Sugar sweetened beverages have high levels of sugar and drinking these can significantly contribute to tooth decay.
Regular and ‘diet' soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, fruit drinks and cordials also have high acid levels that can cause tooth erosion.
Tooth erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth to dissolve the outer surface of tooth enamel.
Regular loss of enamel can lead to cavities and exposure of the inner layers of the tooth that may become sensitive and painful.
Prevention of enamel loss is very important for the long term health of your teeth.
Each acid attack lasts for around 20 minutes. Every time you take a sip of the drink, the acid damage begins all over again.
How to fight tooth decay and erosion
Drink soft drinks only in moderation, if at all.
Use a straw so your teeth are less exposed to the sugar and acid in the drink.
Take a drink of water, preferably tap water that has been fluoridated, after a sugary or acidic drink to help rinse out your mouth and dilute the sugars.
Protect your teeth by using fluoride toothpaste. Also, after drinking sugary or acidic beverages, don't brush your teeth right away. Wait at least one hour so your teeth can recover and your enamel can re- harden before you take the brush to them.
Do not sip a sugary or acidic drink slowly or over a long duration. Doing so exposes your teeth to sugar and acid attacks for longer.
Never drink sugary or acidic drinks before you go to bed – if you do so, the liquid will pool in your mouth, coating your teeth with sugar and acid.
Drink water instead. It has no acid, no sugar – and no kilojoules.
Your Dental Health Matters to you and to us.
Visit us for a free Dental Check up/consultation and 20% of all treatments valid until 30.11.2019. We also accept Q Card, Q Mastercard and Southern Cross Insurance.
Over 20 years of Experience in Dentistry.
Phone us on 09 2186000 or text any queries or for an appointment to 0211363444.
We are open Monday to Saturdays.
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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91.5% Yes
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7.8% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
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Impersonating tow truck drivers
Police are warning drivers across Tāmaki Makarau to be on the lookout for dodgy tow truck drivers following several incidents in the past few months.
Motorists are being warned of a small group of people pretending to be tow truck drivers, committing crimes by using unregistered tow trucks to pick up vehicles.
Sergeant Suzannah Kimber, Counties Manukau Police, says the group steals vehicles by pretending to legitimately tow them before disposing of the vehicles.
“Recently these offenders towed a member of the public’s vehicle in plain sight.
“Members of the public drove past this tow truck while they were loading it up as it just looked normal.
“They even go as far as wearing high-visibility clothing.”
Sergeant Kimber says Police are taking the opportunity to remind the community that all tow trucks will have external sign writing with the company name and be able to produce their logbook if asked.
“They also must be registered as a transport operator.
“If you see a tow truck without any distinguishing features towing cars, please call Police immediately.”
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