University research teams join forces to investigate dental erosion
Research teams from the University of Ulster and King’s College London have teamed up to carry out a pioneering study into the effects of drinking fizzy drinks.
The project has been awarded £100,000 by the Leverhulme Trust and will be conducted over the course of the next two years. The study will investigate the relationship between drinking fizzy drinks and dental erosion.
Professor Brian Meenan and Dr Patrick Lemoine, from the University of Ulster will be joined by King’s College London dentist, Dr Sanjukta Deb. Professor Meenan said that grant had given the team a fantastic opportunity to work together and foster a long-lasting professional relationship between the two institutions.
Dental erosion occurs as a result of acidic substances wearing down the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth. Dental erosion is a common problem, which is becoming increasingly prevalent as the consumption of fizzy drinks and fruit juices increases. There is now a huge range of soft drinks on the market, many of which are filled with sugar; sugary foods and drinks temporarily weaken the enamel surfaces of the teeth, which can make the teeth susceptible to decay. Many soft drinks are also very acidic, which contributes to dental erosion; this is a chemical process which gradually breaks down the enamel coverings of the teeth.
Dental erosion, along with dental decay, is becoming an increasingly common problem amongst young children, who are consuming more sugary, acidic drinks than ever before. Dentists are keen to encourage parents and children to cut down on fizzy drinks and choose sugar-free alternatives or water.
The research project will focus on the changing structure of the tooth when exposed to fizzy drinks; it is hoped that the results of the study will be used to develop better quality soft drinks and more effective tooth whitening agents and restorative dental materials in the future.
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