The Gazette

Healthy eating takes a toll on teeth: Increased enamel erosion reported. High acid content of fizzy drinks, fruits, vegetables and other snacks to blame

MONTREAL. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but dentists now say it could also leave you wearing dentures.

The high acid content of fizzy drinks, fruits, vegetables and other healthy snacks actually wears away tooth enamel and many Canadian dentists report the recent trend toward healthy eating means nearly all of their patients are showing signs of wear on their teeth.

"We see this type of thing in everyone - even people with the healthiest teeth," said Shaireen Lalani, a dentist based in Vancouver. "The thing is, everyone is affected, even young children."

In fact, the surging popularity of soda, sports drinks and other juices with high acid concentrations is a major factor causing tooth erosion among children and adolescents, according to the Canadian Dental Association.

"There's no question that we're seeing more of these erosion effects than I've ever seen, and I've been in practice just about 30 years," said Darryl Smith, president-elect of the association. "It's a significant concern."

Although they might not recognize the signs, dentists say an increasing number of people are showing signs of acid erosion on their teeth, even if they don't realize there's a problem.

Although the dental association doesn't keep statistics on the number of people affected, Smith said there's no doubt a growing number of people - particularly adolescents - are affected by acid wear on their teeth.

While aesthetically unappealing, prolonged acid wear also makes teeth sensitive to hot and cold and can lead to serious decay, he said.

Although the effects of acid on teeth is not a new phenomenon, Lalani said the fact more Canadians are snacking on highly acidic foods throughout the day means they're more susceptible to acid wear. When teeth are repeatedly exposed to acidic foods and drinks, the enamel can soften and eventually dissolve. As time goes on, teeth become thinner and yellowed.

"In its early stages, people suffer minor sensitivity and slight discoloration. But in advanced stages, it can involve fairly costly dental procedures," she said.

That doesn't mean Canadians should stop eating healthy foods, but people should be making a conscious effort to reduce the effect acidic treats have on their mouths, Smith said. To help protect teeth, he said it's important for young people, who tend to drink large amounts of soda and other fizzy drinks, to consume more water. It also helps to eat nuts or dairy products alongside fruits and other foods high in acid.

But one important aspect is for people to avoid brushing their teeth immediately after eating acidic foods. That's because brushing can actually expedite the acid's eroding effect on the teeth, Lalani said.

"If you wait an hour, the acidity in your mouth is significantly neutralized," she said, adding that it helps to use a soft toothbrush.