Acid Wear and Children

Canadian dentists are more and more concerned about acid wear among children

The acids in many everyday foods and drinks, including fruits, fruit juices, carbonated beverages (e.g., pop and sparkling water) and sauces (e.g., ketchup, and tomato sauce), can damage growing teeth by softening the protective layer of enamel, making it more vulnerable to being worn away by brushing. This process is called acid wear and it is a growing dental concern among Canadian dentists that affects everyone, including children. Canadian dentists estimate that 55% more Canadians have acid wear in 2008 than in 2006.*

*Data on file

* Acidity is measured through a pH scale which determines how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being very acidic, 7 neutral and 14 very alkaline. Tooth enamel can dissolve with a pH of approximately 5.5 or below. Food with high calcium content help counter the effects of acid wear. As well, every person’s saliva has a different ability to regulate the pH level in the mouth. For more information on this, talk to your dental professional.

You might not be able to see the effects of acid wear, but a dentist can.