Armour against tooth wear
New research from the Oral Health Foundation has revealed the current sugar consumption habits in the UK. Describing the results as “alarming”, the study found that 84% of the population has at least one sugary snack per day, with 79% admitting to eating at least three per day.[i]
As we know, high sugar consumption can have a significant impact on oral health. Tooth wear is becoming a major concern in the UK, and it’s vital that we understand the risks when it comes to excess sugar. We should also know how best to help patients manage their sugar consumption and mitigate its effects.
Sugary foods and acid attacks
The government recommends that no more than 5% of a person’s calories should come from free sugars. However, UK research suggests that this number is commonly between 9% and 12.5%.[ii]
Free sugars can be found in a number of food groups, these include:
- Biscuits, cakes, and pastries
- Yogurts
- Sugar and jam
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Fruit juice
- Sugary soft drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
For adults, sugary soft drinks and alcoholic drinks contribute the most to free sugar intake. In an effort to combat this, in 2016 the soft drinks industry levy was introduced, which taxes drinks containing added sugar.[iii] Its aim was to encourage companies to reduce the amount of sugar in their drinks, and to incentivise customers to choose sugar-free alternatives.
Consuming sweet and acidic foods increases the risk of acid attack, a leading cause of caries. This is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and is a leading cause of tooth loss, second only to gum disease. As such, it is vital to prevent erosion, and ensure patients are armed with the tools they need to maintain their oral health.
Medical conditions
Sugar is not the only cause of tooth wear. Some medical conditions may mean that patients are more susceptible too.
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), for example, causes the reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus. It is recognised as a possible cause of intrinsic chemical tooth wear.[iv] GERD can be particularly damaging to the teeth at night. Acid-neutralising saliva production is slower while asleep, allowing acid to stay in the mouth for longer.[v] It’s important for clinicians to offer their patients tailored advice to help manage this, and protect their teeth against high acidity.
Eating disorders can also have an impact on oral health, with 89% of people with bulimia showing signs in the mouth. Stomach acids in the mouth from vomiting can also lead to tooth wear and enamel thinning. Further damage can be caused if patients brush their teeth immediately afterwards, removing softened enamel.[vi] It is important to approach patients showing these signs sensitively, and offer tailored advice. For example, recommend rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash, and not brushing their teeth for an hour after vomiting.
Strengthening the teeth
As mentioned, dental erosion can have a huge impact on dental health, potentially leading to caries, and even tooth loss. As such, it’s important to recommend patients a solution which helps to prevent tooth wear and replace lost mineral ions to the tooth surface.
BioMin® F toothpaste is an innovative solution, helping to combat acid attacks. BioMin® is armour for teeth, containing <600ppm fluoride, which is used to form fluorapatite. This shields the tooth surface and provides superior protection. Its unique formula incorporates fluoride inside bioactive glass, which is slowly released over 12 hours to offer a continuous delivery of mineral ions into the saliva and onto tooth surface for a lasting effect.
BioMin® F works with the saliva to coat the surface of the teeth and penetrate the dentinal tubules with fluorapatite, strengthening the enamel. Effective against acid attacks, BioMin® bioactive glass breaks down in the presence of acid, releasing additional fluoride when it is needed most.
Careful consideration must be given when recommending dental products to patients with various different needs. Tooth wear is a major public health concern in the UK, and it is vital that patients are using products which make prevention a priority.