Dentistry News | Dental Jobs | Dentist Forum | CPD Education
Dental news |
 |
RSS Feed | View by: Most Recent | Most Popular | Most Discussed |
Take the fizz out of your diet for tooth's sake!
15th Jun 2010
Taking the fizz out of our dental health
Cutting down on fizzy drinks can decrease potential risks of dying from strokes by 8% and coronary heart disease by 5%.
That's according to evidence drawn on by dentist, Dr Nigel Carter, who is keen to get us to cut back on the number of carbonated drink we're consuming.
Dr Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), says: ‘Every time you eat or drink something sugary or acidic your teeth are under attack for a whole hour. By limiting the frequency of fizzy drinks, people can limit the amount of time their teeth are put at risk.
‘And it isn't just about oral health – connections have been made between drinking sugary beverages and conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Now new research is suggesting that by cutting down on fizzy drinks people can lower their blood pressure, which will reduce risks of suffering from blood-pressure related diseases. Swapping a fizzy drink for water or milk is a small price to pay for good health.'
The new BDHF survey results – carried out as part of National Smile Month – highlight that a number of people are seriously damaging their teeth through their diet choices.
The results show that many members of the public are including large intakes of fizzy drinks and acidic foods in their everyday diet.
It reveals that:
• 1 in 7 people have a fizzy drink most days
• More than 1 in 4 of those aged 18-30 drink one regularly
• Males were found to be more likely than females to open a can of pop
• Those over the age of 60 were least likely to indulge in fizzy drinks.
The National Dental survey found that people are most likely to eat and drink acidic products, such as fruit juices, at lunchtime, with more than one in three people eating and drinking those products most days at that time.
Women were found to be more likely to consume acidic foods and drinks in their lunch than men, and almost half of those surveyed ate acidic foods at least once a day.
To reduce any possible damage to the teeth from acidic foods, the Foundation recommends chewing sugar-free gum or finishing a meal with cheese or milk to help neutralise the acid in the mouth.
The survey interviewed more than 1,000 people from around the UK and was conducted in line with National Smile Month.
The Foundation suggests taking preventive measures to protect the teeth.
Dr Carter added: ‘Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Flossing, chewing sugarfree gum, using mouth wash are all other excellent ways to take care of your teeth.'
Rate this story
