Children’s teeth at risk
Dr Greg Miller talks children’s oral health on ABC Radio Adelaide’s SA Afternoon
Are we really doing enough to protect our children’s teeth?
The question was posed recently by Dr Greg Miller, Chairperson and Clinical Ambassador of the Australian Dental Foundation, who joined ABC Radio Adelaide’s show SA Afternoons to discuss a topic that resonates with many parents: are we doing enough to protect our children’s teeth?
Speaking with host Jason Shaw, Dr Miller addressed the growing concern of early childhood decay and shared practical advice for families navigating modern diets and busy routines.
While Australians are generally doing better than previous generations when it comes to oral hygiene, Dr Miller noted that dental decay and gum disease remain the two most common diseases worldwide
‘At a societal level, we’re still not doing as much as we could,’ said Dr Miller. ‘Unfortunately, dental disease is fairly ubiquitous through the community.’
Despite significant advances in science, oral health challenges remain widespread. But, as Dr Miller emphasised, prevention is achievable when consistent habits are maintained.
Dr Miller reinforced several key practices that form the foundation of good oral health, which included:
- Brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste
- Cleaning every surface of every tooth
- Using floss or interdental brushes where appropriate
- Monitoring sugar intake and frequency
He also highlighted fluoridation as one of the most significant public health achievements of modern times, especially now the World Health Organisation recognises water fluoridation as a major public health measure.
‘Fluoride in toothpaste, and in the water supply, has had a profound impact on dental disease,’ noted Dr Miller.
Another central topic of the conversation was the role of sugar, and the common misconception that only large amounts cause harm.
Dr Miller clarified that it’s not just how much sugar we eat, but how often we consume it.
Every sugary snack triggers an acid attack on the teeth, so the more frequent the exposure, the greater the risk on cavities.
He warned that sugar is often hidden in certain products, including tomato sauce, salad dressings, dried fruit, muesli bars, and honey.
‘These things appear healthy—and in moderation they can be—but they are high in sugar and often sticky, which allows them to sit on teeth and cause damage.’
Dr Miller encouraged families to follow sugary foods with water and to avoid prolonged sipping of sweetened drinks, including coffee with sugar.
When asked what single change would make the greatest difference to oral health, Dr Miller shifted focus beyond Australia, highlighting the importance of global access to fluoride.
While most people in Australia benefit from fluoridated water and widespread access to dental products, many remote and developing communities around the world do not.
‘Spreading access to fluoridated toothpaste and fluoridated water would have the greatest worldwide impact,’ he said.
For Dr Miller, the message is clear: prevention is far more effective than cure.
Building strong oral health habits early, and maintaining them consistently, lays the groundwork for healthier smiles well into adulthood.
Listen to Dr Greg Miller’s interview on ABC Radio Adelaide’s SA Afternoons segment below.
