SOFT DRINKS FOUND TO BE THE CRUCIAL LINK BETWEEN OBESITY AND TOOTH WEAR A new study has found that sugar-sweetened acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, is the common factor between obesity and tooth wear among adults. Scientists found that being overweight or obese was undoubtedly associated with having tooth wear. Significantly, they also found that the increased consumption of sugary soft drinks may be a leading cause of the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine in obese patients. It is the acidic nature of some drinks such as carbonated drinks and acidic fruit juices that leads to tooth wear. Tooth wear is ranked as the third most important dental condition, after cavities and gum disease. The consumption of acidic food and drink is a leading cause of this. Obese patients also have other risk factors such as increased likelihood of gastric reflux disease (heartburn) which was controlled for in this study. Previous research has found that tooth wear affects up to 30% of adults. It is the premature wearing of teeth due to the softening of the dental enamel from dietary or gastric acids, combined with wear and tear. It occurs when the outer layer ( enamel) of the tooth slowly dissolves. This can lead to changes in the shape or appearance of teeth, and they can become sensitive when eating or drinking cold food and drinks. At its worst, the tooth structure can gradually wear away. Severe Erosive Tooth Wear reduces quality of life and can mean complex and costly procedures. Tooth wear is preventable; changes to consumption habits can help stop people from getting it or making it worse. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 SM-CL1772686 630-663-0554 SOFT DRINKS FOUND TO BE THE CRUCIAL LINK BETWEEN OBESITY AND TOOTH WEAR A new study has found that sugar-sweetened acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, is the common factor between obesity and tooth wear among adults. Scientists found that being overweight or obese was undoubtedly associated with having tooth wear. Significantly, they also found that the increased consumption of sugary soft drinks may be a leading cause of the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine in obese patients. It is the acidic nature of some drinks such as carbonated drinks and acidic fruit juices that leads to tooth wear. Tooth wear is ranked as the third most important dental condition, after cavities and gum disease. The consumption of acidic food and drink is a leading cause of this. Obese patients also have other risk factors such as increased likelihood of gastric reflux disease (heartburn) which was controlled for in this study. Previous research has found that tooth wear affects up to 30% of adults. It is the premature wearing of teeth due to the softening of the dental enamel from dietary or gastric acids, combined with wear and tear. It occurs when the outer layer ( enamel) of the tooth slowly dissolves. This can lead to changes in the shape or appearance of teeth, and they can become sensitive when eating or drinking cold food and drinks. At its worst, the tooth structure can gradually wear away. Severe Erosive Tooth Wear reduces quality of life and can mean complex and costly procedures. Tooth wear is preventable; changes to consumption habits can help stop people from getting it or making it worse. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 SM-CL1772686 630-663-0554