Just when you think there can’t possibly be any more bad news about the ramifications of America’s eating habits, here comes more. A new study examined the teeth of 900 children between the ages of 10 and 14 in three different areas of the country. The finding: 30% of the kids had dental erosion in which the enamel on the teeth begins to… yes… erode, leaving teeth thinner and less protected. Ironically, initially this erosion makes teeth smoother and shinier, so it is highly unlikely that people will notice the early stage of this destruction.
The study was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in association with the University of California at San Francisco and Indiana University in Indianapolis. Bennett T. Amaechi, PhD, associate professor of community dentistry, told me that the erosion results from repeated exposure to certain drinks including soft drinks, fruit and sports drinks, some herbal teas, beer salts (lime-flavored salts added to beer) and fruit-flavored candies, called Lucas candies, imported from Mexico. Even such “healthy” foods as citrus fruits and drinks like seltzer will erode enamel. All of these are acidic — and excessive acid literally eats the enamel off teeth.
The good news: Cutting back on the offending beverages stops the erosion, and over time saliva actually begins to re-mineralize the tooth surface… though never completely. If you don’t stop, the erosion progresses and eventually causes great sensitivity and pain. Teeth may begin to lose their shape. This is yet another reason it is so important to have regular dental exams — the dentist can identify the problem in time for patients to put an end to their bad habits.
Dr. Amaechi advises limiting how often you have citric-based drinks — for instance, try limiting them to mealtimes. If you’re not planning to give up a beverage that may be causing the erosion, consider sipping it through a straw to lessen contact with teeth… the worst possible habit is drinking sodas all day long. Also, Dr. Amaechi cautions people with erosion to avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking the acidic product — it’s better instead to rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Yes, fluoride, too, is controversial, but Dr. Amaechi says the amount in mouthwash isn’t enough to be a problem and it’s helpful in re-mineralizing the damaged tooth surface.
