Brits Fail Acid Test
| Author: Irene Robertson | Published: 13th April 2008 14:34 |
Brits Fail Acid Test
- 79% put appearance of teeth at risk with eating and drinking habits -
New research from Sensodyne Pronamel reveals that nearly eight out of ten of us are at risk of developing acid erosion as a result of our dietary habits, which could eventually affect the appearance of our teeth and cause sensitivity.
Acid erosion is mainly caused by the acids found in food and drinks that are common in our daily diet. While the majority (85%) of respondents were aware that fizzy drinks are bad for teeth, nearly half (45%) were unaware that some still drinks can also cause harm. 71% didn't know that fruit poses a risk and 70% did not know that vinaigrettes can be damaging to teeth.
Acid erosion occurs when acid from food and drink comes into contact with teeth, temporarily softening the tooth's hard enamel surface. When we then brush our teeth, the enamel can be worn away more easily and become thinner over time.
It's not just what is eaten that can cause acid erosion, but also how foods are consumed - and eight in ten respondents (79%) revealed habits which could be damaging their teeth. Over half (58%) consume acidic drinks without a straw, 47% regularly cover food with sauces and dressings like acidic balsamic vinegar and nearly one-third (31%) suck on acidic orange segments.
Nutritionist Anita Bean, an expert in acid erosion commented:
"Most of us (73%) know that chocolate is bad for teeth, due to sugar-related tooth decay. However, acid erosion is one of the biggest threats to tooth enamel this century and, as the research shows, people are far less aware of how they can best protect teeth from this condition.
Simple changes to your daily routine can help, like drinking acidic drinks through a straw angled away from teeth or using a toothpaste designed to help protect teeth from the acids in our diet."
Acid erosion can lead to thinning of enamel which can result in teeth becoming sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks - which is often the first sign of the condition. In the long term, acid erosion can change the appearance of teeth, for example, giving them a darker yellow appearance, transparency at the biting edges, and small cracks.
Rather than avoiding healthy acidic food and drinks such as salads, fruit juices and fruit, there is a range of simple, quick and easy measures which can be undertaken to help avoid acid erosion:
- When having an acidic drink, use a straw angled towards the back of the mouth to help keep teeth protected
- Drink water after eating or drinking anything acidic, to help wash the acid away, or chew gum to stimulate the production of saliva which can neutralise the acid
- After an acidic meal, consider eating some enamel friendly foods like low fat cheese or nuts, to help restore the pH balance in your mouth
- After consuming acidic food or drinks, wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth - because this is when enamel is at its softest, and so most at risk
- Visit your dentist regularly - only a dental professional can diagnose acid erosion
- Brush teeth gently but thoroughly with a medium soft toothbrush, like the Sensodyne Pronamel toothbrush and use a low abrasion toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel which can help re-harden softened tooth enamel, and help protect teeth against acid erosion
• For further information, visit http://www.pronamel.com/
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