London - Love green juice? Drink it with a straw!
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices have become fashionable, with sales of blenders over the past three years going through the roof. But be warned if you’re keen on kale juice and goji berry smoothies.
Dentists such as Dr Uchenna Okoye, clinical director at the London Smiling Dental Group, are reporting a marked rise in cases of acid erosion - the softening and loss of tooth enamel - which, they say, can be linked to the regular consumption of fruit and veg juices.
“I’ve seen a 20 percent rise in cases of acid erosion in the past few years,” says Dr Okoye. “A fair proportion of this can be linked to an increased consumption of fruit and vegetable juices.
“They often have just as much acid and sugar in them as fizzy drinks. Eating fruit and veg raw is fine, it’s the blending and juicing that creates the problem for dental health.
“Sugar and acids in juices are able to penetrate gaps and gums more easily.
“Always drink juices with a straw, to keep the acid and sugar away from your teeth.
“Never brush your teeth immediately after drinking juice, as your tooth enamel will be softened by the exposure to the fruit acids and prone to damage. Instead, drink or rinse your mouth with water.”
Daily Mail