We've heard through the media that there are plenty of bad effects of a modern day day, mainly on our waistline, but what affect is it having on our teeth?
Health on Female First
A pioneering pan-European study unveiled today has shown that acids in our modern-day diet can cause Tooth Wear.
Erosive Tooth Wear, more commonly known as Acid Wear, is an irreversible condition, caused mainly by dietary acids. Only a dental healthcare professional is able to see the five early signs of Acid Wear: weak, thin, transparent or see-through, yellowing teeth and dull enamel.
The pan-European study - supported by GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Pronamel - shows that Tooth Wear is actually a common condition, affecting as many as 1 in 3 young adults. It has been thought of as an older person’s problem because Tooth Wear gets worse over time, but this new study, conducted in 18-35 year olds, found that surprisingly almost 30% of this generation are also already showing the signs.
Frequent consumption of acidic food and drink can be one of the main culprits behind this threat to long term dental health, and it is easier than many would think to have an acid-rich diet. As few as four acidic “moments” a day can put enamel at risk. Surprisingly it’s not just fizzy drinks and wine that are the problem, healthier choices also count towards these daily acid “moments” – fruit, fruit juices, salad dressing and even fizzy water with a squeeze of lemon. This new study showed that as few as two servings of fresh fruit a day can put enamel at risk.
Dentists also recommend the following to help protect against the effects of Acid Wear:
Ensure you visit your dentist regularly. The dentist will be able to assess levels of risk of acid wear likely to result from your diet and brushing habits as well as looking at your teeth for early signs of Acid Wear
Don’t give up healthy food, particularly fruit, but take a fresh look at how you eat it. Try reducing the amount of time that acids are in contact with the teeth. Try to minimise swirling, swishing or holding acidic drinks in your mouth – consider using a straw
Consider using a fluoride mouthwash along with a fluoride toothpaste to give you extra protection from the effects of everyday acids
Tagged in Teeth Dental Health Diet Oral health