According to the British Dental Association (BDA), the ruinous effect of sugar on dental health is quite clear – more than 100 children and teenagers (in the UK) are admitted to hospital every day for tooth extractions due to dental decay. Never before has there been such a dire need to safeguard children’s oral health.
Considering that the main source of added sugars to modern diets are from sugary drinks, there is a greater need for these products to have displayed on them the visual health warnings to capture the consumer’ attention to the risks in consuming them. The need to deter one from purchasing these products using graphic warning labels on the packaging is backed by a study that involved 994 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Researchers tested the participant’s responses to four different kinds of warnings – from the risks written out in plain text to an image of decayed teeth. The products with warnings all achieved its purpose of lowering the resolve to buy the drinks, but the most dramatic effect – a 20% drop – was reduced by the bottle with the image of rotten teeth on it.
Despite the fact that sugar-laden drinks carry significantly high levels of sugar which have been attributed to be the cause of the rising obesity problem and worrying numbers of children with decayed teeth, there is a need for stronger messages to warn consumers of the dangers of excessive sugar consumption. The sugar tax imposed, alone, does not offer the strength of inducement to deter the buying and consumption of products that have been proven to have negative effects on health, there is greater room for stronger action.
A dentist Liverpool can play an instrumental role in keeping the smiles of adults and children in top shape. In addition to a professional dental check-up, there are guidelines dentists recommend patients follow when it comes to their in-home oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing teeth forms the essential core part of any proactive measures to safeguard teeth and gum health which is why getting it right is so important.
Guidelines dental practitioners recommend for at-home dental maintenance
There is no getting around a good oral hygiene routine one can perform at home. The results of a professional in-clinic clean can be maintained for longer by effectively brushing teeth and tongue and flossing. To ensure this is done properly for maximum effect, here are a few tips and techniques to implement:
- Make sure to choose a toothpaste and mouthwash that contains a higher level of fluoride for enhanced protection of the tooth enamel.
- Include brushing of the tongue as well as teeth.
- Children should be supervised when brushing their teeth as this will ensure they brush properly and for the recommended length of time.
- If one experiences difficulties in flossing, it is far better for gum health to speak to a dentist about alternative flossing tools than leaving out this critical aspect of dental hygiene.
To find out more on how to best protect one’s smile and oral health, speak to a professionally qualified and experienced dentist at Liverpool Smile Studio.
