What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride is probably an ingredient in your toothpaste or mouthwash. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral often found in drinking water and certain foods. It protects teeth in two ways:
1. By aiding your tooth enamel to be produced in a more decay-resistant form.
2. By protecting the enamel from being attacked by acid from bacteria in your mouth.
These bacteria are made even more potent when there is sugar in your diet. Bacteria love sugar. The resulting acid attacks your enamel and can cause tooth decay. Fluoride is available in several forms:
• Fluoride treatments during a visit to the dentist.
• Over-the-counter and prescription toothpastes and rinses.
• Supplements prescribed by a dentist or medical doctor.
If you drink bottled water or have a higher risk of tooth decay, you may not be getting enough fluoride in your diet.
For all your dental needs call Riaz Dental on 6862 1261 or www.riazdental.com.au
Men Need Healthy And Strong Hearts
Heart disease is responsible for nearly 13% of deaths in Australian men.
The theme of this year’s Men’s Health Week is keeping boys and men healthy focusing on what males of any age can do to minimise their risk of developing heart problems later in life.
Over 30% of men in Australia have high cholesterol and almost 75% are overweight or obese. One-quarter of males have high to severe blood pressure levels. The good news is that walking is a great way for men to reduce these risk factors. Steps to take to reduce the risk of developing heart disease:
• Get a heart health check. A new Medicare- funded heart health check is available to all Australians.
• Be more active more often – aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet of food low in saturated and trans fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, antioxidants and unsaturated fats.
• Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, not to mention a host of other health problems.