How to stop the rot

We know sugar is bad for our teeth. It causes decay and holes that have to be filled by the dentist.


But good old fruit and fruit juice can be just as bad, apparently. Fizzy drinks most of us know about - remember the trick with the penny that would practically dissolve after a night in a glass of cola - but fresh orange? Apple juice? Whole apples, indeed.

The problem stems not just from their sugar content, but in their acidity which is corrosive to tooth enamel. So even diet drinks, which contain no sugar, can be harmful.

"A recent American study showed that 50pc of teenagers who drank carbonated drinks showed some sign of tooth erosion," says David Evans, consultant of dental public health for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

"It's a problem that seems to be on the increase."

The destructive effect of the acid is quite different from sugar.

Sugar causes decay. Plaque, the sticky film which collects on teeth, is largely made up of bacteria and mixes with food deposits - especially sugar - to collect in grooves in and between the teeth to eat away at the enamel and form cavities.

Erosion affects the whole of the tooth. Acidy foods and drinks like colas and orange juice gradually wear away the surface, and in more severe cases, expose the underlying pulp.

Like decay, erosion can be very painful, causing great sensitivity to hot and cold.

"Everyone understands the concept of decay," says David Evans, "but people are less aware of erosion and how to prevent it.

"In young people, erosion is usually brought on by drinking lots of fizzy colas.

"It's not uncommon for teenagers to drink seven or eight cans a day. The problem isn't just the contents of these drinks, but the way that they drink them. They take lots of little sips and this has a far more corrosive effect on the teeth."

Normally, the saliva in our mouths acts as a buffer against any acids present. But it needs time to work.

While a can of fizzy pop taken at meal time is nothing to worry about, constant exposure to it throughout the day will cause damage.

Saliva also has healing properties and will work to help repair the enamel.

But again, it doesn't have the opportunity to do so when it is bombarded with more and more acid. The same applies to orange and apple juice and the like.

New research has shown that recently developed types of apple have more sugar in them than older varieties such as Granny Smiths and Cox's Orange Pippin.

"But it's everything in moderation," Mr Evans continues. "I would still try to encourage people to reach for an apple rather than a packet of sweets.

"On the other hand, while a couple of apples a day won't hurt, two litres of apple or orange juice every day will certainly damage your teeth."

If you do drink a lot of juice or carbonated drinks, then it is better to drink it fairly quickly at one sitting rather than take long slow sips. Ideally, have it with a meal, when there is more chance of the acid being neutralised. Cheese is a good way of finishing off as it helps neutralise any acid in the mouth, and wash the drink down with water if you can.

"Also don't clean your teeth immediately afterwards as your teeth will be more vulnerable to the abrasive effect of toothpaste," says David Evans.

The British Dental Association offers similar caution.

"We realise that barely a day goes by when research comes out decrying one foodstuff or another, and if we were to follow every piece of advice to the letter, life would be very dull indeed," said a spokesman.

"What we are saying today is that people should exercise moderation - by all means have an apple, but have it with a meal, or follow it up with a piece of cheese to help neutralise the acid."

Chewing gum (sugar free) is also good, because it helps clear the teeth of sugary food deposits and stimulates saliva. "This works against both decay and erosion," says David Evans.

Babies and young children shouldn't be given fruit juice or pop in their bottles, especially at night time because of their close and prolonged exposure to the sugar and acid therein.

There are other causes of tooth erosion, and adults may experience sensitivity following years of overzealous tooth brushing, acid reflux, or if they are bulimic, where sufferers make themselves sick after eating.

What should you do if you suspect you suffer from dental erosion?

"If you catch it before it gets to the sensitive stage it can be treated with a fluoride varnish which provides a protective coating," says David Evans.

"If the problem is severe, your dentist may put a facing on, or even crown the tooth."


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