Healthy food and drinks can erode teeth
14 August 2002
Most of us know that sugary foods can cause tooth decay, but how many of us realise that some so-called ‘healthy’ foods with a high acidic content can erode our teeth?
Chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Education Committee, Dr Don Wilson said: ‘While sugar causes caries (tooth cavities), acid can gradually erode the enamel from teeth, causing a loss of a tooth’s natural contour, or premature exposure of dentine which can lead to uncomfortable tooth sensitivity.’
A study on the erosiveness of food and drinks was carried out by the University of Adelaide and showed that soft drinks, some cordials and some juices had a significantly higher potential to erode teeth than tap water mixed with sugar.
Most erosive
The erosive potential of a food can be affected by the amount of saliva a person produces. The saliva acts as a buffer between teeth and the acid. However, ‘sports’ drinks were found to be the most erosive. They were closely followed by soft drinks, apple juice, and some cordials. Another study found lemon juice and vinegar the most erosive.
Least erosive
Foods and drinks found to have a much lower potential for erosion were milk, soda water, mineral water, yoghurt and unsweetened orange juice. In the second study beer and tomato soup were among the least erosive.
However, Dr Wilson said: ‘That doesn’t mean you should favour sugary sweets instead of fruit juices and condiments. Even though some ‘good’ foods can be acidic, they are still far better for your general health than junk food.’
Avoiding erosion
‘Significant erosion doesn’t happen immediately, and can easily be prevented by rinsing your mouth out with water after you’ve eaten, sipping on water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly,’ Dr Wilson said.
Risk factors for tooth erosion include:
- Excessive daily consumption of more than a litre of drink (not water).
- A history of high dental caries activity (frequent cavities).
- Reduced saliva, due to dehydration from sports, medications, chronic vomiting or stomach reflux.
- Frequent sipping of erosive drinks and holding drinks in the mouth before swallowing.
Last Reviewed: 13 August 2002
