Scientists at King’s College London have examined the risk factors and damaging habits associated with the consumption of acidic foods that result in the loss of tooth enamel and dentine.

Drawing on a previous study at Guy’s Hospital, London, that compared the diet of 300 people with severe erosive tooth wear and 300 people without, researchers identified how different behaviours increased the risk of developing the condition that affects more than 30% of adults in Europe.

The King’s team found that eating and drinking acidic food and drinks, particularly between meals, carried the greatest risk. Those who consumed acidic drinks, including water with a slice of lemon or hot fruit flavoured teas, twice a day between meals, were more than 11 times more likely to have moderate or severe tooth erosion. This figure was halved when drinks were consumed with meals.

The research, reviewed in the British Dental Journal, also identified a range of foods, drinks and medications that have the potential to be erosive. Drinks with added fruit or fruit flavourings were dominant and massively increased the erosive potential of the drink, putting them on a par with cola drinks.

Researchers found that sipping, holding or rinsing drinks in the mouth prior to swallowing increases the risk of tooth erosion, as these habits increase the duration and/or force of the contact between the acidic drink and surface of the teeth. Wine tasters, for example, swish and hold wine in their mouths for prolonged periods and multiple times a day, while long distance drivers or video gamers may sip acidic drinks over long periods of time.

The study also found:
- Sugar-free soft drinks are as erosive as sugar-sweetened ones
- Fruit flavoured teas and fruit flavoured sweets, lozenges or medications have large erosive potential when consumed regularly
- The increase in patients with tooth erosion may be linked to changing patterns of eating, such as increased snacking in both children and adults
- Drinks are more likely to cause tooth erosion when served hot
- Vinegars and pickled products can also lead to tooth erosion

Lead author, Dr Saoirse O’Toole 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 of erosive tooth wear. 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.’

See Saoirse on BBC News here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-43165233/the-truth-about-fruit-tea