Let us talk about breaking the cycle of tooth decay – starting with simple, everyday habits that can keep your family smiling for generations.
Here is a wild fact: Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children worldwide – but it is also one of the most preventable.
With a few simple habits and smart choices, you can set your kids (and yourself) up for a lifetime of strong healthy teeth.
Cavity Myths – Busted!
Here are a few dental myths that have been around for years:
❌ “If it doesn’t hurt, it must be fine.”
Dental decay doesn’t always hurt straight away – but are still damaging your teeth. By the time a tooth hurts, more extensive treatment may be required.
❌ “Baby teeth don’t matter—they fall out anyway.”
Healthy baby teeth are essential for eating, speaking and guiding the adult teeth into the right place.
❌ “Only lollies cause cavities.”
Sugar is a big factor, but so is how often you eat. Frequent snacking even on healthy foods like dried fruit increases the risk of tooth decay
👨👩👧👦 Family Habits = Family Health
Kids mirror what they see – especially in the bathroom! If brushing and flossing is just part of your family’s daily rhythm, it becomes second nature.
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- Make brushing a team event same time, same place, twice a day.
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- Use a two-minute timer or their favourite song.
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- Encourage flossing from an early age – it’s a great habit to build (spoiler – adults, you’ll need to do it too!)
🚰 Water – Nature’s Cavity Fighter
We are so fortunate in Adelaide to access to fluoridated tap water, which strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay.
Swap juice, sports drinks, soft drinks, and soda water for plain water as often as you can, especially between meals. A drink bottle filled with tap water is one of the best oral health tools around.
📅 Book Ahead – Beat the End-of-Year Rush!
It may only be October, and some of you are in the thick of Halloween decorations and costumes, however, the end of year is flying towards us. Many health fund dental benefits reset on December 31st – so now’s the time to use them before you lose them. Appointments are already filling fast in the lead up to Christmas, so give us a call on 08 8212 3880 or book online to lock in your spot!
💙 Stay Connected
At your next visit Dr Stone is likely to tell you all about the environmental education program she ran at a camp for Girl Guides during the last school holidays and Dr Chow will probably talk about the skiing and camping she and the family have been up to.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (and yes, even YouTube!) for dental tips, fun facts, behind-the-scenes peeks, and the occasional team dance video (no promises though).
Let’s make 2025 the year we go cavity-free together!
