Spring in to the Switch to Water Challenge

31 October 2018

Media release

Spring in to the Switch to Water Challenge with Eliza McCartney

New Zealand Olympic pole-vaulter Eliza McCartney is the face of the New Zealand Dental Association’s (NZDA) Switch to Water challenge.

NZDA is challenging New Zealanders to swap sugary drinks for water for 30 days this November.

The impact of sugary drinks has attracted a lot of recent media attention, with 36,000 New Zealand children having teeth extracted last year due to decay, and thousands requiring teeth extractions at hospitals under general anesthetic.

The devastating impact of sugary drinks is believed to play a role in these tragic numbers.

Eliza is proud to once again be the face of this popular campaign and believes that drinking water is key to a healthy lifestyle.

“I know that it’s all about one step at a time, so opting for water over sugary drinks is the perfect first step, towards a healthier you.

Not only is this great for dental health, but this means fewer unneeded ‘empty’ calories, and there’s the acidity in sugary drinks which erodes tooth enamel,” says Eliza.

NZDA President, Dr Bill O’Connor says members of the Association are united in their commitment to prevent unnecessary suffering from the impact of sugary drinks.

“I’ve talked this year about the massive sugar epidemic - we can’t be any clearer that sugary drinks pose a major risk to dental health.

Sugary drinks contribute to tooth decay, and this requires expensive, and most importantly, preventable fillings.”

Dr O’Connor says the campaign is one of positivity, and that while it might be tough, it’s worth having a go to see what it’s like without sugary drinks.

“So, sign up, support your mates – you’re all in this together. Start off Summer with a fresh, healthy change. Switching to water can be habit that you might just stick with. This challenge has options for individuals, schools, and workplaces. Visit switchtowater.co.nz today!”

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