Caused by the acids found in everyday food and drinks, such as fizzy and soft drinks and fruit, the condition can lead to the erosion of teeth and, over time, could affect their appearance.

Acid erosion is a growing problem in children, with up to 30% of 12 year olds and up to 53% of five-year olds exhibiting tooth surface loss.

Sadly, while 94% of British parents know that acidic foods and drinks can damage their children’s teeth, the reality is that many do not understand which items are acidic. Also worrying was that:

• dentists believe the main causes of acid erosion in children to be the consumption of carbonated drinks without a straw (52%) and the frequent drinking of soft drinks (36%);
• More than a third (34%) of parents are unaware that soft drinks could pose a risk to their children’s teeth; and
• only 28% know that fruit can be harmful to teeth.

It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat it
Crucially, it is not just what is eaten that can cause acid erosion, but also how foods are consumed that can cause acid erosion. Nearly two-thirds of parents (64%) said that their children drink fizzy drinks without a straw, and 58% said they regularly cover their food in acidic sauces or dressings – both of which can contribute to the condition.

Professor Jimmy Steele of the School of Dental Sciences at The University of Newcastle advises: “Adult teeth generally start to appear when children are six years old, and need to last a lifetime, so protection from an early age is key.

“Whilst children should not be discouraged from consuming acidic food and drinks, it is important for parents to be aware of the issue to ensure they take small steps to minimise the risk to their children’s teeth.”

Top tips to beat the rot

• Simple measures recommended by Professor Steele to help protect children’s teeth from acid erosion include:
• Discourage children from swishing acidic drinks around or holding them for prolonged periods in their mouth
• Instead encourage them to drink acid drinks with a straw placed towards the back of the mouth away from teeth
• Encourage children to avoid brushing their teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks as this is when the enamel is at its softest - it’s best to wait as long as possible after an acidic meal or brush beforehand
• Ensure you take your child for regular dental check-ups and talk to a dental professional about any concerns you or your child may have.