Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 2/9/2009

Question
I have just been for a check up for the first time in about 5 years. Terrible l know, the last time l went they said everything was fine. This time they found some decay under a filling l had done when l was about 11 [l am 28 now] so l got it replaced. Whilst she was looking though she said l had some lines across my two front teeth and some little dents at the bottom [she said they should be longer than teeth on either side but are not], and that enamel is also getting worn away at the top and also on a couple of teeth on my lower gum. She asked if l grind my teeth - definitely not, my boyfriend would know! Or if l drink fizzy drinks or bad diet etc. She also asked if l brush hard. I think l used to but for about the last 2 years l have switched to an electric brush [l don't think l brush hard with that as always feel my teeth felt cleaner with manual brush]. I drink a lot of sparkling water at work but no fizzy drinks except maybe a few gin and tonics/cider at the weekend [been doing so for 10 years or so though!]. The only other thing l could think is I have about a pint of squash every night. I have it fairly weak [say 1cm per pint of water] and always get sugar free. Could this be the cause though? Many thanks!

Answer
Hi Annie

Fizzy water classes as a fizzy drink - the fizzy bit is acid and this can gradually dissolve your enamel.  Your boyfriend wouldn't necessarily know that you grind your teeth - lots of people do, and when combined with acid this gives significant enamel erosion.

Sugar-free squash is fine.

Regards

Tony Appleton