Study Highlights the Role of Soft Drinks in Enamel Erosion
A new study has highlighted the role of soft drinks in dental erosion, suggesting that juices and fizzy drinks are the most common cause of enamel wear and the single most significant indicator in the severity of erosion.
The study, which has been published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, found that a large proportion of adults displayed signs of dental erosion and the most severe cases were found in those who consume soft drinks on a regular basis. Researchers analysed data from 3,773 participants and found that 79 percent had signs of enamel wear. 64 percent suffered mild damage, while 5 percent had severe wear. Researchers found that those who drank fizzy pop and fruit juices were more likely to be affected by severe enamel erosion than those who rarely drank soft drinks.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that drinking juices and fizzy drinks, which are not only full of sugar but also have a low pH value, speeds up the process of enamel erosion, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Dr Carter recommended milk and water as healthier alternatives for the teeth. Dr Carter also urged people to think about the frequency with which they eat and drink, because this often is just as influential as what you eat or drink when it comes to enamel damage.
When you eat or drink, the bacteria in your mouth give off acids and these temporarily weaken the enamel. It takes some time for the enamel to re-harden in a process called remineralisation. Drinking and eating between meals prevents remineralisation and exposes the enamel to erosion. The advice from experts, including Dr Carter, is to stick to main meals and to wait at least 45 minute after eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic to brush your teeth.
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