🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: The Sugar Trap: How Everyday Foods Affect Your Smile
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas
Transcript
Glenn Hartas:
You’re listening to Way FM 105.3—your positive alternative.
Now, we all know sugar isn’t great for our teeth… but what if the real problem isn’t the chocolate bar—but what’s hiding in your so-called “healthy” snacks?
Here to reveal the truth behind the sugar trap is Dr Bing from Innova Dental. Welcome back, Dr Bing!
Dr Bing:
Hi Glenn—always great to be here!
Glenn Hartas:
Alright, let’s talk sugar. We all expect lollies and soft drinks to be bad for our teeth—but where else is sugar sneaking in?
Dr Bing:
You’d be surprised! It’s in things like muesli bars, sports drinks, flavoured yoghurts, fruit juices, and even salad dressings. These hidden sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produces acid—and that acid is what breaks down enamel in your tooth and causes tooth decay.
Glenn Hartas:
So even when we think we’re making healthy choices, we could still be doing damage?
Dr Bing:
Exactly. It’s not just about what you eat, but how often you’re exposing your teeth to sugar throughout the day. Snacking or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day keeps your mouth in a constant acidic state.
Glenn Hartas:
And what can we do to protect our teeth?
Dr Bing:
Great question – What you should start with is drinking lots of water especially after meals, limiting snacking between meals, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. But most importantly, see your dentist for regular examinations and maintenance. We can spot early signs of wear or decay before they become a big problem.
Glenn Hartas:
So it’s not about being perfect, just being a bit more aware?
Dr Bing:
Exactly. Awareness and education is so important, and it empowers people of all ages make better choices without fear or guilt. If we need to do a little work to reverse damage, our dentists will help you through that process. We can also discuss tips to maintain good oral health AND still be able to enjoy the occasional snack.
Glenn Hartas:
So if someone’s worried about being a sweet tooth and want to still be able to enjoy a treat every now and then, what should they do?
Dr Bing:
Book in for a comprehensive examination. Along with discussions about oral health, our dentists also go through diet and will work with you to find the right balance. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your smile. You can visit innovadental.com.au or call the clinic—we’re here to help.
Glenn Hartas:
That’s Dr Bing from Innova Dental—keeping Tassie smiling, one checkup at a time! Thanks, mate.
Dr Bing:
Thanks Glenn!
Tune in live every Monday and Friday on Way FM 105.3 or head to https://www.wayfm.org.au/on-air/mornings/ for more details.