Italian anger bubbles over at prosecco tooth decay claims

Popular fizz will help Britain smile again after Brexit, say politicians as they reject dentists’ claims

FROM the terraced vineyards of the Veneto region to the corridors of parliament in Rome, Italy has reacted angrily to British claims that drinking prosecco leads to chronic tooth decay.

The Italians are upset by suggestions that knocking back the fizzy stuff can result in rotten teeth, cavities and the dreaded “prosecco smile” – receding gums and unsightly gaps.

“Prosecco offers a triple whammy of carbonation, sweetness and alcohol, which can put your teeth at risk, leading to sensitivity and enamel erosion,” Prof Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser for the British Dental Association, warned. His words were echoed by Dr Mervyn Druian, of the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, who said: “It is acidic and it has sugar in it so, while a few glasses are fine, if you drink too much of it you are going to have a problem.”

Stories about the perils of prosecco emerged this week, with the suggestion that prosecco is sweeter – and therefore more damaging – than its rival across the Alps, champagne.

However, British claims have incensed the Italians, with the indignation extending to their government.

Maurizio Martina, the agriculture minister, wrote in a tweet: “Tell the truth – prosecco makes British people smile too! Stop fake news please.”

There is much at stake – Italy sold €366 million (£337 million) worth of prosecco to the UK last year, an increase of 33 per cent on 2015. The UK is now the biggest market in the world for the aperitif, with the wine eclipsing champagne in popularity.

Politicians from the two regions in north-eastern Italy where prosecco is produced also weighed into the debate. “After Brexit, we need to help the people of Great Britain smile again. In modest quantities, our prosecco works wonders,” tweeted Deborah Serracchiani, governor of Friuli-venezia-giulia. Luca Zaia, her counterpart in neighbouring Veneto, wrote on Twitter: “This really is fake news. The British know full well that where there is prosecco there’s a smile; in fact they know it so well that they consume more of it by the day.” Italian dentists also disputed the claims made by their British counterparts. “There is nothing to justify this crusade against prosecco and the accusation that it is damaging to teeth,” said Prof Mario Aimetti, the president of an association of dentists.

“There are many drinks and types of food that can cause cavities but it’s difficult to single out prosecco as a particularly dangerous product. Let’s not demonise prosecco. The real danger is if you don’t maintain dental hygiene.”