A recent study from the Danish Dental Association has found that tooth erosion is increasing. Of the 1,000 dentists surveyed, half reported seeing an increase in the number of patients with the condition.
People drink more soda
Tooth erosion occurs as a result of prolonged and continuous consumption of foods and beverages with high acidity, such as smoothies, sour candies, sodas and energy drinks.
The increase in dental erosion has responded to changing consumer habits. According to the DTU Food Institute, there has been a 24 percent increase in sales of soft drinks since 2012, and there was a fivefold increase in sales of energy drinks from 2010-2019.
With summer in full swing and more sodas being consumed to beat the heat, dentists are warning people to be careful about how they quench their thirst.
New dental plan in place
Dentists say that the best thing to do to avoid tooth erosion is to avoid very acidic foods and beverages. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water, as well as products with a high content of lime. Drinking water immediately after drinking something acidic, for example, is a good way to neutralize the effects of acid.
As the signs of tooth erosion are difficult to spot for anyone other than a trained professional, the Danish Dental Association says, however, that the most important thing is to go to the dentist every year for a check-up – and a new agreement reached in the Folketing can help with this, especially among the younger generation.
The agreement, which introduces free dental care for all 18-21-year-olds, has been entered into by the Government, the Socialist People’s Party, the Radical Left, the Unity List, the Alternative and the Christian Democrats and entered into force on 1 July.
Source: The Nordic Page