News

The summer holidays are almost here, so if you’ve started to think about what to pack, we’ve got some tips for you. Whether you’re packing shorts and t-shirts, or warm jackets and ski gear, you’ll need to include a few oral health essentials in your toiletry bag. For many of us, packing a toothbrush and remnants of a mostly used toothpaste tube check off the list for holiday mouth care. But it’s worth thinking about what else our teeth need, wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.

Packing your oral health essentials

Storing your toothbrush

• When choosing your toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes are the easiest and quickest way to get the cleanest possible teeth and gums. If you prefer a manual toothbrush, soft bristled, small headed toothbrushes are the best design features to clean all tooth surfaces. When used with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, plaque build-up and the risk of decay is reduced¹.
• Storing your toothbrush – Keeping your toothbrush separate will help to avoid damage or contamination from your clothing and shoes. Toothbrush travel cases are the best way to transport and store toothbrushes when travelling. Make sure your toothbrush is dry before sealing the case to prevent bacteria from multiplying.

Everything else dental

• Pack dental floss, interdental brushes, tongue scrapers and mouthwash – Pack whatever cleaning aids you regularly use into your toiletries bag. It’s also a good idea to carry these in your day to day. Use zip-lock bags to separate items and store safely.
• Packing spares if you’re flying – while you’ll likely be able to access shops to purchase a new toothbrush, it’s also the last thing on most people mind as soon as they arrive. Packing a spare toothbrush and toothpaste in your hand luggage will be helpful to freshen up after your flight.
• On the plane- Many airlines provide toiletry kits which include a travel sized toothbrushes and toothpaste. These are a great alternative when flying but be mindful these aren’t meant to be long term toothbrushing substitutes.
• When to use bottled water– Use bottle water for brushing and rinsing if you’re unsure about the water quality where you’re travelling. Depending on your destination, not all tap water can be consumed so it’s better to be safe from the start.

5 Holiday tooth tips

1. Book an appointment with your dentist for a check-up before you leave. Dental emergencies can happen at any time, but prevention through regular appointments helps to reduce the risk of unexpected problems. If a dental emergency occurs call early to secure a same day appointment at your nearest centre.
2. Check your holiday insurance covers emergency dental care. Be aware that some travel insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
3. Keep up your daily toothcare routine while you’re away. Brush at least twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily. Invest two minutes twice a day into brushing – it’s a small investment of time for the benefits you’ll get back.
4. Remember that water is your friend. Keep a water bottle handy and try to keep sweet drinks such as juice, soft drinks and energy drinks as treats. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking, especially after tea, coffee and red wine which can stain tooth enamel.
5. Chew sugarless gum in-between brushing. This helps to increase saliva flow, reducing the risk of cavities.

If you’re planning on traveling or going away these holidays, Book an appointment with your dentist to ensure you have no underlying issues before you take off.

¹https://www.teeth.org.au/brushing-teeth

What do my lips have to do with my oral health?

Maintaining good oral health is not limited to having pearly whites and a beautiful smile. It goes far beyond aesthetics, incorporating the prevention and early detection of oral health issues we may encounter in our teeth, lips, and mouth.

Lips allow air into your mouth for breathing and, together with your cheeks, help you to speak and shape your facial expressions. They also keep food and saliva in your mouth while chewing. Ultimately, these strong muscles guide and keep your teeth in their proper positions¹.

All about your lips

The lips are made of sensitive skin tissue which is a transition point between the skin and the moist mucous membrane of the mouth. This makes them especially prone to sunburn and a condition called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or cancer of the lip ².

Prevention for your lips

• Regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure you’re keeping an eye on your mouth and dental health.
• Using sunscreen on your lips – Apply sunscreen to your lips, provided there are no manufacturer recommendations against doing so. Make sure it is labelled ‘broad spectrum’ and has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
• SPF lips balms are a good alternative, especially because there’s lots to choose from and they tend not to be as unpleasant as wearing sunscreen on the mouth. Choose a lip balm which is labelled broad spectrum and has a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – the higher the number the more protective it will be³.
• Wear a hat – Keeping the sun away from your face and lips by wearing a hat along with appropriate application of sunscreen and lip balms is the best way to reduce the risk of sun damage.

What to avoid?

• Avoid picking at your lips, which can cause skin damage.
• Don’t store lip balm in your car or in direct sunlight where it’s likely to melt and lose its protective qualities.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a check-up, Book an appointment with your dentist to ensure you maintain your oral health. If you have concerns, it’s reassuring to know there are numerous factors that can lead to more serious issues. This emphasises the importance of regular monitoring of both your oral health and your lifestyle choices, so you can take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier life.

¹https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/parts-of-the-mouth-and-their-functions

²https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/mouth-cancer

³ https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/sun-protection-sunscreen

When it comes to Christmas desserts, we normally have a traditional dessert that we frequent each year. This year, we’ve made finding a new dessert recipe easy with our festive raspberry swirl cheesecake filled with teeth-healthy nutrients.

Ingredients

Cake Filling

• 750g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tbs yoghurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut cream
• 1/2 cup (175g) rice malt syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• Extra raspberries and mint leaves, to decorate.

Cake Base

• 1 cup (150g) shelled pistachios or hazelnuts
• 1 cup (70g) shredded or 1 cup (90g) desiccated coconut
• 1 cup (100g) almond meal, or other nut meal
• 120g unsalted butter, softened

Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Line the base and sides of a 23cm springform pan with baking paper.

Step 2: The foundation of any great cheesecake begins with the base. Start by processing the nuts in a food processor until they reach a semi-fine texture. Add coconut, almond meal, and softened butter. Combine by gently rubbing together with your fingertips, coaxing the oils from the nuts to achieve the desired doughy consistency. If needed, add a bit more butter. Press the dough into the base and sides of the prepared pan, aiming for an even thickness of about 5 mm.

Step 3: Bake for 5-8 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Once done, let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: While the base is cooling, it’s time to work on the raspberry puree. Begin by placing the frozen raspberries in a blender, drizzling in just enough water to facilitate blending and create a puree. Transfer the puree to a small saucepan and gently heat over medium heat until the raspberries thicken into a syrup-like consistency. Allow it to cool, preserving its vibrant red hue.

Step 5: Now, focus on the heart of the dessert—the creamy cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, yogurt or sour cream, coconut cream, rice malt syrup, an egg, and a touch of vanilla powder. The key here is to stir gently, avoiding over-mixing, as excessive aeration can lead to the filling puffing up and collapsing during cooking.

Step 6: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture into the now-cooled base, creating a smooth surface. With a teaspoon, add dots of the raspberry sauce to the cheesecake surface and gently swirl through with a skewer or knife. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over this raspberry, once again ensuring a smooth surface.

Step 7: Return the cheesecake to the oven for approximately 20-30 minutes until the filling slightly pulls away from the base and its center makes a custard-like consistency. Be cautious not to overcook.

Step 8: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for a while. Once it’s reached an appropriate temperature, transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm before serving. Add some extra raspberries and a few sprigs of mint for decoration.

Pro Tip: It’s essential to allow the cheesecake to cool for a few hours before serving, as this helps to avoid an overly eggy taste.

At this time of year when we indulge in a little more of everything, it’s also important to check up on your dental health before, during or after the festive season. Book an appointment with your dentist to ensure you can continue enjoying your moderated sweets this festive season.

If you’re looking for more recipes to share with your family this year, or a gift for someone who loves cooking, the ADA’s (Australian Dental Association) new Tooth-friendly treats cookbook contains 20 sweet treat recipes recommended by dentists. The profits from the sales of this book are donated to the ADA Dental Health Foundation, which helps disadvantaged Australians access much-need dental care. You can purchase your Tooth-friendly treats cookbook here.

https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/20-sugar-free-treats-for-the-festive-season/pci5gdfs?page=8