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1. FAQs

   

   What are the benefits of drinking water?

   We need water, not sugary drinks for hydration. Water is the best drink choice. It is fresh, free and readily available on tap! Water has no added sugar, no calories and is non-acidic. Switching your sugary drinks to water is a great first step towards better health.

   Switching from sugary drinks to water can:

   • Aid in avoiding tooth decay
   • Improve mental clarity and brain function
   • Reduce sugar cravings
   • Save you money
   • Plus many other health benefits, including loss of excess body weight.

   How can I check how much sugar is in a drink?

   A simple way is to remember that 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to 1 standard teaspoon of sugar. So if a drink has 22 grams of sugar in it, then it has 5.5 teaspoons of sugar. The nutritional information panel will indicate how many grams of sugar is in a drink. Look at the amount per 100ml under the ‘Carbohydrate’ section. 

   Unfortunately, the nutritional information panel does not differentiate between natural and added sugars. Examples of drinks with natural sugars are milk and 100% natural fruit juice. You could also check the ingredients for added sugars as it may be called such as sucrose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, maltose, dextrose, raw sugar, malt extract and/or molasses.

   What happened to the usual Switch to Water campaign?

   This year we have given the campaign a facelift and change of focus. This year we are running a new meme focused social media campaign aimed at Gen Z Kiwis. This year’s water challenge is instead an action video and is described below.

   What is the 'All Rizz no Fizz' campaign?

   The 'All Rizz no Fizz' campaign celebrates owning one’s awesomeness and genuine charm over superficial allure. Our 'All Rizz no Fizz' hands challenge essentially is about the charisma and awesomeness that eliminating fizzy drinks brings into your life. 'All Rizz no Fizz' focuses on prioritising water and making it the focus of your health and wellbeing, while empowering others to do the same. By choosing water over fizzy drinks this month of November, you are showcasing “Rizz” that having no fizz brings into your life.

   What does "Rizz" mean?

   Rizz is a new age term (born in 2021) and is the truncated version of charisma. It’s the description of quality that assures people of their own awesomeness and inspires others to develop their own confidence. 

   What is the 'All Rizz no Fizz' hands challenge?

   The challenge encourages participants to film themselves completing an activity or a task, with open vessels/bottles of water taped to their hands (or arms). This could include anything from, doing a dance, completing an obstacle course or stunt, or any creative display that exudes ‘Rizz’.

   Once completed, post the video on our social media channels with the #allrizznofizz hashtag and you will be in with a chance to win one of two fantastic content creator packs.

   You can either join through our general entry category, as a school or as a team. Visit Find out more for further information on additional category entries.

   Do I still switch to water for 30-days with the 'All Rizz no Fizz' hands challenge?

   We will still encourage everyone to choose water over fizzy drinks throughout the month of November, but this year it won’t be a registered challenge. This year’s campaign aims to promote water as the drink of choice to discerning Gen Z Kiwis who care about their health, wellbeing and image.

   What if I don’t have an Instagram or TikTok account? 

   No problem. Just create your challenge video and send it to [email protected] (via Dropbox or similar if the video file is too large to email) or load it on your Facebook page and tag NZDA Health Smiles and apply the hashtag #allrizznofizz

   Are there any specific rules for the challenge?

   Keep it creative, fun and family-friendly! Make sure your video captures the essence of ‘All Rizz no Fizz,’ and keep water management as the focus of your activity.

   Please refrain from using swear words or offensive language and avoid displaying brand names associated with sugary beverages.

   How will winners be chosen?

   Winners will be selected after the campaign period closes with winning entries considered in terms of creativity, viewer engagement, and how well they embody the spirit of 'All Rizz no Fizz.'

   Prizes 

   Two separate content creator packs will be won by what we consider the best two video entries. If you participate as a school, you go into the draw to win $500 worth of sports equipment. If you participate as a team, you can win $500 towards your team Christmas party (Terms & Conditions apply).

   Where can I find more information about the campaign and challenge?

   Stay updated by following our official social media channels.

   Follow our new TikTok channel allrizznofizz (@allrizznofizz) | TikTok and Instagram Chief NZDA Rizzler (@allrizznofizz) • Instagram photos and videos.

   We’ll be sharing tips, participant highlights, and other exciting news related to ‘All Rizz no Fizz’ throughout the month of November. Good luck!

2. Resources

   

   As part of National Oral Health Day we have developed resources to help anyone with an interested in promoting the benefits of drinking water. 

   All Rizz No Fizz Hands Challenge Hydrate Yourself with Water (A3 Poster) What sugary drink can do to the body (A3 Poster) Benefits of Drinking Water (A5 leaflet) Acidity of Drinks (A5 leaflet) Drinks Damage Teeth (A5 leaflet)

3. Your Oral Health

   Good oral health is vital for your general health and well-being. Poor oral health and pain and sufferings in the mouth can have a significant impact on quality of life. In this section you can find information on common dental problems, treatments and oral health care for all age groups.

   

4. Infants & Toddlers

   Baby teeth are important and need regular and proper care. These teeth help your child to eat, speak and maintain self-confidence. They also help retain space for the eruption of permanent teeth, which helps prevent crowding. 

   Tips for a healthy smile

   • Start brushing the baby teeth as soon as they come through the gums
   • Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle brush*
   • Choose healthy, tooth friendly snacks (no - low sugar)
   • Avoid giving sugary drinks including fizzy drinks, fruit juice, cordial, and flavoured milks.
   • Ensure your child is enrolled with the Community Oral Health Service and attends their regular dental check-ups.
   • Lift your child's lip every month to check for signs of tooth decay.

   Here is how to Lift the Lip

   

   *Children should be supported and supervised during toothbrushing until at least 8 years old. 

5. Brushing

   

   Infants

   • Start brushing as soon as the first baby tooth comes through the gums.
   • Brush twice a day with one brushing at night before your baby goes to bed.
   • Buy a soft, small-headed brush and make sure that you only use a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
   • By having your infant sit or lie on your lap, both facing the same direction, you can get easy access to his or her mouth. 

   Toddlers

   • Stand behind a seated or standing toddler, both facing the mirror, reach around to brush the toddler's teeth.
   • Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft, small-headed toothbrush
   • Brush twice a day, morning and night, for two minutes and brushing last thing at night time before bed is very important
   • Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out after brushing and not rinse the mouth
   • Hold the brush at 45 degree angle to the gum line and brush gently by moving the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes
   • Make sure you brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of all the teeth in upper and lower jaws
   • Check your child's brush regularly and replace it every three months or soon after the bristles start to wear out

6. Diet

   

   Infants

   • Breast milk is recognised as the best form of nutrition for infants.
   • If a bottle is used always hold the baby while bottle-feeding and do not put the baby to bed with a bottle.
   • What you put in the bottle is very important for your child's oral health. Use only expressed breast milk or formula for bottle-feeding.
   • Do not put fruit juices or any other sweetened drinks in your baby's bottle. The sugar in the drinks can damage your child's baby teeth and cause early decay.

   Toddlers

   Tooth-friendly foods and drinks are also those that are recommended for overall general health. Frequent consumption of high sugar containing foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay. Also, sweet foods that stick to teeth for long time such as dried fruit products, chocolates, or those sweet foods that are kept in the mouth for a long time such as lollipops, are particularly harmful for teeth. 

   To help maintain healthy teeth;

   • Select healthy nutritious snacks such as fruit pieces, cheese, chopped vegetables and sandwiches
   • Avoid eating sugary foods in between meals. If your child eats sweet sticky foods, they are best eaten at mealtimes rather than between meals
   • Acidic and sugary drinks including fruit drinks, fruit juices, cordials, soft drinks and sport drinks are not recommended for infants and toddlers.

7. Common Dental Problems

   

   Teething

   This is the time when baby’s teeth begin to come through the gums. When the teeth break through the surface, the gums may swell and become tender. Teething is easy to spot as your child may become restless or cry frequently. This may also be associated with disrupted sleep and eating habits, low-grade temperatures, cheek redness, drooling and chewing or biting on their toys. 

   Tips to ease the symptoms of teething.

   • Apply ice cubes wrapped in a cold cloth (mindful of ice as a choking hazard).
   • Gently massage the gums with your finger.
   • Safe teething rings can be used. Watch out for teething rings with liquid inside as the liquid may not be suitable for ingestion in case of rupturing the ring.
   • The effect of teething gel is likely to be limited as it will be washed away quickly due to baby's drooling. Applying teething gels before feeding may be effective in pain relief. 
   • Consider using analgesiscs such as Pamol and follow consumer instructions.
   • If there is excessive bleeding, pain, pus or swelling, call Healthline or see your GP.

   Teething does not cause serious health problems. High fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and ear infection are not symptoms of teething. If your child has these symptoms, please contact Healthline or your GP promptly for help.

   Pacifier or Thumb Sucking

   Many parents choose to have their infant suck a pacifier or dummy to calm them. Some children may also suck their thumb or finger. Most children discontinue this habit between the ages of two and four. The effects of these habits on teeth are minor for children under age five, but if used beyond that it may cause problems in the way the permanent teeth develop. 

   Never dip the pacifier in sugar, honey or other sweetened drinks.

   Lift the Lip Screening

   Early childhood caries (ECC) is the term used to describe the form of dental caries that affects the teeth of infants and young children. Early identification of this caries can help prevent or stop the progression of this disease.

   Parents should lift their child's lip regularly to check for signs of tooth decay. 

   Here is how to Lift the Lip

   Stage 1: Good 

   Twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help keep your child's teeth healthy

   Stage 2: Warning

   Chalky, white spots or lines near the gums are signs of early decay. Seek dental care now for advice and treatment to help stop these chalky areas turning into cavities.

   Stage 3: Danger

   Brown marks and cavities mean your child needs dental care now to prevent toothache and infections.

   Stage 4: Emergency

   Broken teeth and abscesses mean you child will have toothache. They need dental care now to prevent more pain and the infection spreading.

   FREE Community Oral Health Service 

   Oral health treatment is free for 0 – 17-year-olds in New Zealand. 

   Call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) to enrol your child in your regional community oral health service. You can also phone this number to check whether your child is already enrolled or to update your contact details. 

8. Children

   Dental care is free for New Zealand kids until their 18th birthday – call 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583) to find out about the dental service in your area.

   

9. Mixed Dentition

   

   This is the period when the primary or baby teeth begin to fall out and the permanent teeth start to come through.

   During this period the jaws grow to make room for the permanent teeth and the roots of the baby teeth begin to be absorbed by the tissue around them. 

   When a primary tooth is lost early before the permanent tooth beneath that is ready to erupt, the nearby tooth may move into that space. This will later make the permanent tooth to erupt out of its position, creating crooked or crowded teeth. 

   Key points to remeber during mixed dentition:

   • The first permanent molars usually erupt between 6 and 7 years of age and they do not replace any primary teeth.
   • This erupts at the space next to the back primary teeth. This permanent molar should not be mistaken for primary teeth.
   • When a baby tooth does not fall out when it should, it is good to remove them as this may also make the permanent tooth to erupt out of its position. Your dentist or dental therapist can advise you in this.
   • It is also good to remember that the last set of primary teeth is lost only around 12 years of age.
   • To avoid future problems with erupting permanent teeth make sure that your child follows effective home care routine and limit the frequency and amount of sugar intake from foods and drinks.

10. Fissure Sealants

    

    Sealants are a protective plastic coating applied to back teeth to prevent decay.

    The chewing surfaces of back teeth have small grooves or fissures which often extend right down into the tooth itself. These fissures are very difficult to clean thoroughly and can trap food particles. Fissure sealants can seal off these grooves, preventing any food particles or bacteria from getting in.

    • It's best to get advice from your dentist or dental therapist if your child would benefit from fissure sealing the permanent back molar teeth.
    • It's best to get the molar teeth sealed as soon as they start to come through.
    • The first molars usually come through between 6 and 7 years of age.
    • If required the rest of the molars are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years.

    The new sealed surface is easy to keep clean and healthy with regular brushing. Fissure sealants do not affect the normal chewing function of teeth. Though sealants can last for many years, your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure   the seal is till intact. They wear overtime, and sometimes it is necessary to add or replace some sealant to be sure no decay can start underneath them.