Apparently, summer habits can take a toll on our dental health. It is the season of the year when we take the least care of our teeth. We relax, eat out more often and tend to snack when we wouldn't normally.
[© Wikipedia]
Having given up alcohol and switched to alcohol-free beer, I am horrified to learn that such "healthy" beers are, in fact, bad for our teeth! More on that later.
[© El Corte Ingles]
What the experts say
Estefania Moreno Sinovas, secretary of COEM, the College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Madrid, points out, "[Our teeth] ..... don't take a break."
Oscar Castro, president of the general council of dentists, explains what happens when we eat something: " ..... the bacteria in dental plaque produce acids." Normally we would brush our teeth, which would help remove food debris but also stimulate saliva production.
When we don't do this, eg in summer, the outer layer of our teeth becomes more brittle, cracks appear and tiny pores form.
According to both experts we also need to watch what we drink.
Estefania Moreno [© masquemedicos] Oscar Castro [© Sociedad Española de Implantes]
The beer question
" ..... the acidity of [soft drinks and light beers] is just as dangerous. Many of them ..... have a pH level capable of gradually eroding tooth enamel," says Moreno.
Castro adds: " ..... consume them ..... only occasionally, preferably as part of a meal rather than in small sips over several hours."
[© Science News Explores]
The Curmudgeon's View
This discovery came as a shock. Maybe I should go back on the booze ..... !
© The Curmudgeon MMXXVI
Images:
masquemedicos, Science News Explores, Sociedad Española de Implantes, Wikipedia
Thanks:
El Corte Ingles, Estefania Moreno, masquemedicos, Oscar Castro, Science News Explores, Sociedad Española de Implantes, Wikipedia
Tags:
alcohol, alcohol-free beer, COEM, Curmudgeon, dental plaque, dentist, El Corte Ingles, Estefania Moreno, Julia Fernandez, masquemedicos, Oscar Castro, Paul Whitelock, pH, Science News Explores, Sociedad Española de Implantes, SUR in English, Wikipedia