Australian dentists say "Go see 'That Sugar Film'!"

The ADA urges all Australians to watch "That Sugar Film" which aims to raise the awareness of the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body.

Chair of the Oral Health Committee Dr Peter Alldritt, who recently reviewed the film, says it is essential viewing. "Even as a dentist with good knowledge of diet and sugars, I was shocked by the sugar content of some foods - foods that the average Australian would think are healthy choices".

For more information visit: www.thatsugarfilm.com

Don't fear fluoride

A 2012 Chinese study claiming very high levels of fluoride cause low IQ in children has been labelled “appalling” by Dr Michael Foley, of the Australian Dental Association's Oral Health Committee.

The research looked at cases where the fluoride in the water could be ten times higher than Australian levels.

Dr Foley told 3AW these types of studies were "simply dreadful pieces of research" that will not change local views on fluoride.

Message about sugary drinks gets through at last

Prominent nutritionist Rosemary Stanton says the message that sugary drinks are bad for health is finally getting through to consumers. She says a decline in soft drink sales is linked to increased publicity around the harm of sweetened drinks. 

Nielsen data shows that while soft drinks are still among the most popular items sold at Australian supermarkets, they have dropped from ninth to tenth place over the past five years.

The ADAVB and ADA Inc. support the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign.

Scientists discover the world’s strongest teeth

UK scientists have discovered nature’s newest strongest material - in a sea snail. In a study to be published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, researchers have revealed that the teeth of “limpets”, a type of sea snail, are the strongest biological material on Earth, overtaking the previous record holder – spider silk.

The lead author said that understanding the structure and mechanics of limpet teeth could be used to build better planes, boats and dental fillings.

World Oral Health Day - 20 March 2015

20 March 2015 is World Oral Health Day. This year’s theme is ‘Smile for life’, highlighting that oral disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene throughout life.

We encourage members to promote this campaign via social media and at your practice.  Resources are available at www.worldoralhealthday.com or customise your own posters at www.worldoralhealthday.org/picture

The bitter truth about sugar

It is controversial. And, according to the Chair of the ADA Oral Health Committee, Dr Peter Aldritt, dentists should advise their patients to see it.

That Sugar Film tells the story of one man's journey to discover the bitter truth about sugar.

Damon Gameau embarks on a unique experiment to document the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body, consuming only foods that are commonly perceived as 'healthy'.

Through this entertaining and informative journey, Damon highlights some of the issues that plague the sugar industry, and where sugar lurks on supermarket shelves.

Registration agency strengthens drug testing

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has introduced mandatory hair testing for all practitioners with substance-related impairment.

Under the screening protocol, all health practitioners who have restrictions on their registration linked to past substance abuse will have routine hair testing in addition to urine testing.

Routine hair testing helps provide comprehensive information about the use, over time, of a wide range of drugs – not just based on the practitioner’s drug-taking history.

Grants for dentists to go rural

ADAVB recently hosted an information session for dentists considering relocating to the country. Representatives from Rural Health Workforce Australia told members how the Dental Relocation and Infrastructure Support Scheme (DRISS) operates.

Under the scheme, dentists have moved to Ballarat, Bendigo, Drouin, Echuca, Kyneton, Moe, St. Arnaud and Warracknabeal.

Government grants up to $370,000 are available to support private dentists moving to rural and remote Australia through DRISS. The next funding round is open for applications from 23 February to 27 March.

Don’t get sucked in on frozen drinks – health groups warn

Price promotions on sugary, frozen drinks are putting children’s health at risk, seducing them to buy drinks containing up to 25 teaspoons of sugar.

New research conducted by Rethink Sugary Drink shows how popular convenience stores and fast food chains tempt consumers using price incentives such as three cent Slurpees when you buy another item and large Frozen Cokes for just $1, as well as gimmicks such as the option to add popping candy to your icy drink.

The Chair of the Public Health Committee at the Cancer Council Australia, Craig Sinclair, says that many consumers don’t realise that although the price is low, the health consequences can be dire.

“During the summer months when some stores charge just three cents on Mondays for an icy drink or $1 for a large one, these incredibly cheap and creative offers can be difficult for both children and adults to resist,” he says.

Dr Peter Alldritt, Chairman of the Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee, warns: “They might seem like an inexpensive and fun way to cool down, but the long term cost can be serious. If you go with water or low-fat milk, your teeth will thank you.”

Warning on dental tourism - a case study

An ABC report on dental tourism highlights the risks people may face in seeking cheap dental work overseas.

Reporter Richard Baines gives a case study of a Darwin woman who travelled to South East Asia for crowns and root canal treatment, which cost $2400. Six months later, problems started because the crowns were poorly made and the root canal was not filled properly.

At home, to rectify the problems, the woman had to spend thousands of dollars more.

The Australian Dental Association warns that dental work carried out in some overseas clinics may be performed by under-qualified and unsafe practitioners.

Cancer can occur in your mouth

Supporting World Cancer Day, the Australian Dental Association is highlighting the impact of oral cancer on peoples' lives.

Oral cancer is caused by a variety of lifestyle risks, many of which are a part of the lives of the majority of Australians.

Every day, at least three Australians are being diagnosed with oral cancer; an insidious, aggressive disease with a survival rate of only 50% over five years. Oral cancer often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage.

The Chair of ADA’s Oral Health Committee, Dr Peter Alldritt, said: “Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, excess sun exposure, poor oral hygiene and the Human Papilloma Virus, all increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer. However simple changes to one’s lifestyle will make a big difference to reducing your risk.”