The new Colgate campaign here in New Zealand on TV at the moment a little disturbing in a social context? I mean the fact that "48% of Kiwi Kids will have cavities before they are 5 years old!!!" is more than a little worrying, and its nice that Colgate are giving away (or rather trying to) a free toothbrush and tube of toothpaste to every kiwi kid is clever marketing (the sugar in those kids toothpastes will do no one any good) although really a sadly accurate state of affairs in this third world country...

Where does the myth of sugar in the toothpaste come from? Every single tube of toothpaste I've ever bought always states "no sugar is in this toothpaste" and I always thought that an odd thing to say because why would anyone put sugar in a toothpaste???

Can anyone shed a light on the brands that apparently do this? I know that my children don't have any cavities and the toothpaste they use doesn't have sugar, so where would I have to shop to get sugary toothpaste?

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- You're dressed like you're from the 70s.
- We're from New Zealand.
- What's the difference?

FotC

The condition of teeth in this country is indicative of the mentality.

I went to my dentist and he quoted me an astronomical amount to do a few fillings. I asked “why is dentistry is so outrageously priced in new Zealand?”

His reply was ( typical),

“It is comparative to the US and European dentistry rates”

My reply –

“Yes , but the salaries in New Zealand are not”

The dental nurse nearly choked laughing

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However, the cleanliness standards are not to US or European standards.

Wifey got an "estimate" of $5700.00 3 weeks ago for her teeth (some fillings and 3 crowns). I booked her to BKK and after airfare and hotel there is a $1500 savings - and the plus is the dentist did HER MASTERS IN MIAMI - so far better qualified than some Kiwi.

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"Pineapple lumps" ... just about sums up NZ's real place in the world

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A moment of Pure Gratitude:
http://www.expatexposed.com...;highlight=#24481

Last edited by nerine on Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:42 am

.. .

Last edited by g.d.zone on Mon Mar 02, 2009 4:47 am

Hey Dan, have your wife send that NZ dentist a postcard thanking him for the holiday. On second thought, don't waste the money as it would all go right over his head.

Partner and I desperately need to see the dentist. Partner is from a third world country and from a poor family. He has great teeth. Doubt he would if he was raised here.

I was lucky. I have heard some horror stories about some other NZ dentists. But, I found the best dentist I have had in my life in Hamilton. And she is a Kiwi.

Suzanne Tonkin, B.D.S. (Otago)
Chartwell Dental Centre
(new 2nd office in Rototuna Dental Centre)

The Rototuna office where I was treated was sparkling new and the equipment was first class. Dr. Tonkin is cheerful, efficient, and painless. In every way, the experience was equal to the best dental care available in the US.

Taking the exchange rate into consideration, the cost was only half of what I would have to pay in California. (The number of local dollars was the same, but the NZD is barely over 50 cents USD now.)

I am willing to commute annually to Hamilton for this quality of professional care.