Fruit tea between meals causes tooth erosion
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- Published: Monday, 26 February 2018 08:35
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Drinking diet drinks or fruit tea between meals can leave people up to 11 times more likely to suffer from tooth erosion, research published in the BDJ has found. Although it is well known that an acidic diet is associated with erosive tooth wear, the new study has shown the impact of the way in which acidic food and drinks are consumed.
Salt and vinegar crisps are also among problem foods which contain high levels of acid that can wear away teeth, the research from King’s College London shows. It warned that consuming acidic drinks – such as fruit teas, or lemon in water – between meals had one of the most damaging effects. It increased the chance of moderate or severe tooth erosion, eleven-fold. The study also found sugar-free soft drinks are as erosive as sugar-sweetened ones.
Dr Saoirse O’Toole, the study’s lead author, said: “It is well known that an acidic diet is associated with erosive tooth wear, however our study has shown the impact of the way in which acidic food and drinks are consumed. With the prevalence of erosive tooth wear increasing, it is vitally important that we address this preventable aspect. Reducing dietary acid intake can be key to delaying progression of tooth erosion. While behaviour change can be difficult to achieve, specific, targeted behavioural interventions may prove successful.”
Abstract from BDJ:
An acidic diet has been associated with erosive tooth wear. However, some people who consume dietary acids develop erosive tooth wear and some do not. This review paper provides an overview of the risk factors of dietary acid consumption which increase the likelihood of developing severe erosive tooth wear. Increased frequency of dietary acid consumption, particularly between meals appears to be the predominant risk factor. However, habitually drinking acidic drinks by sipping them slowly or swishing, rinsing or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing will also increase risk of progression. Consuming fruit over long time periods at a single sitting and dietary acids being served at increased temperatures have also been implicated. Additions of fruit or fruit flavourings to drinks and regular consumption of vinegars, pickles, acidic medications or acidic sugar-free sweets are potential hidden risk factors that should be discussed with patients at risk of erosive tooth wear progression. Behaviour change is difficult to achieve but specific, targeted behavioural interventions and offering alternatives may increase success.
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