Keep an eye on sugar

Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) major annual oral health campaign.

It takes place each year in the first full week of August. This year’s event started on Monday and runs until Sunday.

The ADA and the campaign aim to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes, eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting sugar intake, and visiting the dentist regularly.

The focus of this year’s campaign is on the harm sugar does to oral health.

The ADA recommends people consume no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) of free sugar a day, choose foods with less than 10 g of sugar per 100 g and look out for hidden sugars when purchasing foods and drinks.

Data shows the oral health of many Australians is not where it should be.

Less than 50 per cent of Australian adults have had a dental check-up in the past 12 months and 53 per cent of Australians brush their teeth only once a day.

● For more information, explore the Dental Health Week website or visit ada.org.au/tips