This is Dental Health Week and The Australian Dental Association has produced The Young Person’s Oral Survival Guide. I have included some tips and facts from this guide.

The week long campaign will address issues such as:

• Binge drinking
• Smoking
• Drug Use
• Oral Sex
• Lip/Tongue Piercings

Fizzy, sports and energy drinks contain sugar and acid that attack tooth enamel. Even the sugar-free and zero varieties contain acid which weakens teeth and makes them more prone to decay and infection.

Alcohol abuse increases the risk of oral and throat cancers.

If you come home under the influence of alcohol you are of course less likely to brush your teeth and if you are a heavy drinker you are less likely to eat well. Vomiting also brings acid from your stomach into your mouth.

Smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer. Did you know young adults who smoke and drink alcohol increase their risk of oral cancer 15 times.

HPV is a virus that can be transmitted during oral sex and cause oral cancers in men and women. The HPV vaccine protects against the 4 main strains which is being offered to boys in Year 7 and Year 9 before they become sexually active.

Lip and tongue piercings can cause chipped teeth, gum damage, infection and even nerve damage.

Oral hygiene tips

• Brush your teeth and tongue morning and night with a soft bristled toothbrush for about 2 minutes, preferably 30 minutes after you have eaten or drunk anything. This is because food temporarily softens the enamel and brushing too early will harm it.
• Change your toothbrush when you see the bristles becoming frayed.
• Floss daily and gargle too.
• Drink or swish water in between drinks. Use a straw if possible.
• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
• Reduce your weekly intake of sweet, sports and alcoholic drinks.
• Quit smoking – visit www.quitnow.gov.au or call Quitline 137848
• Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packets or cans.
• Don’t munch on hard lollies, ice cubes, popcorn kernels etc. Teeth are for chewing!
• Eat a good diet with lots of vegetables. Add dairy products for strong, white teeth. Hard cheeses like a cheddar cheese are good for whitening teeth.
• Tooth whitening kits may not be right for you. See your dentist for advice as some may contain high doses of bleach causing uneven colour and pain.
• Always wear a good mouth guard when playing sport.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, place in milk, own saliva or wrap in plastic and take it to the dentist with you as it may be possible to put the tooth back in.

And of course visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse