Aussies confirm their soft spot for a beautiful smile, but most don’t recognise daily diet dangers threaten their pearly whites.
The ‘tooth’ is out! Aussies love a nice smile. New research reveals nearly all Australians surveyed (97 percent) agree that a nice smile is important. But that same research, commissioned by Listerine Total Care Enamel Defence, has also uncovered a ‘dental disconnect’, with many Aussies failing to recognise the potential threat their daily diet can pose to a healthy set of pearly whites.
While over three-quarters (79 percent) of Aussies surveyed are aware that having a sweet tooth doesn’t do their grin any favours, it appears many may be unaware of the damaging impact that other common foods and drinks can have on their smile.
Even though many Aussies add sugar to hot drinks, a staggering 76 percent don’t realise that frequently preparing their favourite cup of coffee could increase their risk of tooth decay. The survey also found that 87 percent don’t know acidic foods like tomatoes can be a source of acid erosion. Furthermore, over three-quarters of those surveyed (78 percent) didn’t recognise wine as a drink that can contribute to erosion of the enamel.
So it’s no surprise Professor Laurie Walsh, of The University of Queensland School of Dentistry, believes modern diets contribute to many Aussie’s ongoing dental woes.
“This new market research shows that most Australians are not aware of the impact that some food and drink can have on their teeth and, therefore are not limiting how often they consume these common enamel-eroding agents,” says Professor Walsh. “When regularly bombarded with high-acid, high-sugar foods, our teeth need all the help they can get and brushing alone isn’t enough. A good cavity prevention routine also includes daily flossing and use of a fluoride-containing mouthwash.”
According to Professor Walsh, fluoride plays an important role in helping to fight cavities by working to strengthen tooth enamel so it can better resist acid attacks and also help to repair weakened enamel that has already been damaged. However, the research from Listerine found only about one-third (36 percent) of Aussies say they currently use a fluoride mouthwash to help protect against cavities.
To help fight the causes of tooth decay, Listerine has launched Listerine Total Care Enamel Defence. For more information please visit www.listerine.com.au