Fruit juice is often thought of as a healthy alternative to other sweetened beverages. However, a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry has identified fruit juice as one of two leading causes of dental erosion. 80% of the study’s 3,773 participants had some level of dental erosion – a condition that can lead to sensitivity, tooth decay and infection. In most cases erosion was mild and a natural consequence of ageing, but 10% of study participants – those who consumed soda or fruit juice regularly – had excessive levels of erosion.
The study’s authors have called fruit juice and soda the “biggest culprits” in dental erosion and recommend moderation with both types of beverage. It is important to remember that erosion is irreversible and can eventually necessitate treatments including dental crowns and tooth bonding.
Cutting down on your consumption of fruit juice and soda is a good way to prevent excessive dental erosion. So too is brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing morning and night, and visiting our office every six months for professional cleanings. If excessive erosion is noticed during these visits, Beaverton family dentist Dr. Michael Negru can discuss options that will reduce sensitivity and help protect your teeth from further damage.
To schedule your next visit with Dr. Negru, please contact Bright Smile Dental Care today. We welcome families from Beaverton, Hillsboro, Aloha, and all surrounding Oregon communities.
