Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Fruit tea is rotting our teeth
Acidic drinks wear away enamel
FRUIT teas and water with lemon can make you 11 times more likely to suffer tooth erosion, scientists say.
Ginger, lemon, berry and rosehip flavours all have high levels of acid which rots enamel.
Salt and vinegar crisps were also highlighted as a danger.
Dr Saoirse O’toole, of King’s College London, said: “Reducing dietary acid intake can be key to delaying progression of tooth erosion.
“It’s vitally important we address this preventable aspect of erosion.” The British Dental Journal report also found that the way a person drinks adds to the risks. It says: “Drinking acidic drinks by sipping slowly or swishing, rinsing or holding them in the mouth before swallowing will increase the risk of progression.”
But erosion rates half when fruit teas are drunk with meals. Unlike decay which forms cavities, erosion affects the whole tooth surface. It hits 30% of adults in Europe. IT’S a must-have energising breakfast for every Belfast Marathon runner and now porridge maker White’s Oats is sponsoring part of this year’s event.
Five Fastest Relay Leg prizes, including a Fitbit and a White’s Oats hamper are on offer. On Monday, May 7, close to 17,000 people are expected to set off from City Hall in a bid to complete the 37th Deep Riverrock Belfast City Marathon.
As well as the main event there’s something to suit everyone, including a wheelchair race, a team relay, an eightmile walk and a fun run. The Marathon Team Relay event continues to be hugely popular, with “leg” distances to suit all fitness levels ranging from 3.3 miles to 7.2 miles.
There’s still time to organise your friends or colleagues to take part by visiting www.belfastcitymarathon.com.