Harmless snacks and beverages damage teeth

Improper consumption and overuse of fruit, yoghurt, citric and soft drinks may lead to devastating and permanent damage to teeth. Known as tooth erosion, the break down of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth leads to decay.

David Bartlett, who led a discussion at the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) 55th annual meeting in San Diego said, "Early diagnosis and prevention of the effects of tooth erosion are fundamental to keeping teeth healthy for life. Sipping or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing increases the risk of erosion on dental enamel".

To prevent tooth erosion, Dr Bartlett advises patients who eat or drink an acidic food or beverage to wait at least twenty minutes before brushing the teeth so as not to destroy the weakened enamel. He also suggests eating acidic foods within five minutes, instead of snacking on them throughout the day, and eating these foods just during meal times in order to minimise the amount of time the acid is on the teeth.

Frequently consuming and continual snacking of foods with a low pH value, such as fruit juices, pickles, fresh fruit, yoghurt, honey and raisins can lead to irreversible dental erosion. It is also important to be aware of habits such as lemon-sucking and swishing soda in the mouth.

Doing this extends the amount of time that enamel and dentine are exposed to the acids and can increase the structural damage. But eating fruit as part of a balanced diet is good. Dr Bartlett says, "It's not what you eat and drink that is important, it's how you consume acidic food".

Dr Bartlett also encourages patients to talk to their dentist about the use of dentine bonding to help prevent tooth erosion, a procedure he shared with attendees during his course at the AGD's annual meeting. "Together with dietary advice and daily desensitising toothpaste, the aim is to prevent and treat early or moderate signs of erosion on the teeth", says Dr Bartlett.

Early signs of tooth erosion consist of dentine hypersensitivity. In other words, if hot or cold foods and beverages cause pain or sensitivity this is an indication of tooth erosion. Dentists may also recommend daily use of an over-the-counter fluoridated anti-hypersensitivity toothpaste with a nautral pH to help re-harden softened tooth enamel.