Dental experts are urging people to ensure their intake of fizzy drinks is kept to a minimum, after a new report revealed an increase in tooth decay related to acidic and sugary drinks.
A new survey has highlighted that a number of people are seriously damaging their teeth through drinking sweet drinks, especially young people.
The results, from the survey carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation, showed that many members of the public are including a large consumption of fizzy drinks and acidic foods in their everyday diet – with around one in seven people having a fizzy drink most days.
The statistic increases to more than one in four of those aged 18 to 30 who drink fizzy drinks regularly, with males more likely than females to drink the stuff.
Those over the age of 60 were the least likely to indulge in sweet refreshments.
A spokesman for the research said:
“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.”
Dental experts say long–term damage can be caused to teeth when sugary or acidic foods are eaten frequently because fizzy drinks have high acidity levels which can damage teeth.
The acid erodes the enamel that acts as a protective layer on a tooth, leaving teeth both sensitive and unsightly.
Some fizzy drinks also have a high sugar content which can lead to problems such as tooth decay. The sugar can react with the bacteria in the plaque on teeth, producing harmful acids. This can eventually cause a cavity. The survey, based on interviews with more than 1,000 people, found that people are most likely to eat and drink acidic products, such as fruit juices, at lunch time.