Back at the dentist for a filling.. Again? This dentist knows why – and it’s not what you think.
As a dentist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Valence Roberts is an icon of dentistry – graduating with High Class Honours, he is Principle Dentist at one of Melbourne’s most respected dental practices, BC Dental. Serving as National Dental Advisor at Cosmetic Avenue and is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Victoria, he fuses passion with proactivity to educate his patients on deeper influences to impact their teeth —like diet, hormones, and lifestyle.
And, after personally being treated by Valence (or Val.. as everyone calls him), I know why he has gained the reputation he has – during our appointment, he is literally in his absolute element, his flow, his zen zone. Oozing a zest for my teeth like i’ve never seen before, my appointment was like no other – he’s passionate, proactive and genuinely cares.
Thoroughly investigating my diet (something that NO OTHER dentist has ever asked in such great detail), asking how I want my smile to look (yes, it is a decision we can consciously make!), and so much more, I learnt more about what to do, and what I was doing very wrong, in 45 minutes, than I had in years passed.
Much to my dismay, it seems my nightly sweet treat of honey in my chamomile tea, partnered with a love for sparkling water, was completely ruining my teeth. And, despite this not being a new habit, no other dentist ever asked this. Val… he goes above and beyond – so I completely understand the hype. After our session, I asked a few questions – and here’s what he had to say.
Val.. why are so many women needing fillings.. Despite regular brushing?
Many women who brush and floss perfectly still find themselves needing new fillings every year. The most common culprit isn’t hygiene—it’s diet.
While clenching, mouthguards, and oral care all matter, your daily food and drink habits have the most powerful and lasting impact on your teeth. And for women, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and bone health add even more complexity.
Can you explain more – how does hormones and pregnancy impact our dental health?
In a nutshell:
● Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease and decay—especially during morning sickness or frequent snacking.
● Menopause raises the risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to bone loss in the jaw and loosening of teeth.
● Shifts in estrogen levels can affect saliva flow, reducing your natural defense against acid and bacteria.
These factors make it even more important to understand how your diet interacts with your teeth.
You mentioned diet was the culprit for many… how?
Every time you eat, your mouth enters an acidic state. This temporarily softens your enamel as minerals like calcium and phosphate dissolve from the surface. Over time, if your teeth don’t get a chance to recover—because you’re snacking or sipping frequently—this demineralization leads to tiny holes in the enamel: cavities.
It’s not just about sugar—it’s about how often your teeth are exposed to acids and fermentable carbohydrates.
Can you share some transformation photos of your patients? We’d love to see!
Three Diet Rules Every Woman Should Know
1. Stop Grazing on Sugary or Acidic Foods
Snacking frequently—even on healthy foods—keeps your mouth acidic and enamel vulnerable. Dried fruit, granola, and kombucha may seem wholesome, but they stick to teeth and feed decay-causing bacteria. Stick to defined meals, and give your mouth time to recover between eating.
2. Rethink Your Drinks
Sugary and acidic drinks are among the worst offenders when it comes to enamel erosion. The top culprits include:
● Soft drinks
● Sparkling water / soda
● Kombucha
● Fruit juices
● Sports and energy drinks
● Wine (especially white wine)
● Tea with honey
● Water with lemon
● Apple cider vinegar
3. Rinse after drinking
If you have any of the above… or sugary snacks… the key here is to eat / drink quickly, and rinse after. No need to cut out all of your favourites, just sip plain water to rinse immediately after – easy done, your teeth are saved!
Olivia was kindly a guest of BC Dental, and (believe it or not) looks forward to her next visit.
Visit Valence and his trusted team of dentists at BC Dental today – book online via www.bcdental.com.au, or call 03-9589-2675.
For the full article grab the June/July 2025 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
