Dental report on health snacks makes national news

The Choice report on sugar-laden and acidic foods and drinks is news around the nation today. The report, to be published in the July edition of the consumer watchdog’s magazine, warns parents that some snacks perceived as healthy may rot teeth.

The study of 85 processed foods and drinks was conducted by Choice in collaboration with ADAVB's Dental Health Education Committee.

The Sydney Morning Herald ran its report on page 3 under the heading ‘Holy molar, those sugar-free treats can damage children’s teeth too’.

Australia’s biggest selling newspaper, the Herald Sun, headlined its story ‘Health snacks a dental threat’. Adopting Choice’s ranking of red (high risk), amber (moderate risk) and green (low risk), the tabloid highlighted the foods and drinks in a chart.

‘Snacks that will rot your teeth,’ the Adelaide Advertiser told readers. The study was reported briefly in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph and the Hobart Mercury as well as in provincial newspapers. Radio stations such as 5AA Adelaide and ABC666 Canberra gave air time to the report on their breakfast programs.

The report is timely as it heralds the Dental Health Week theme of tooth erosion. Dental Health Week this year is the first week of August, but members should of course feel free to discuss the erosion story with their patients at any time.