Fruit smoothie boom could trigger tooth decay epidemic, warn dentists Last updated at 19:40 19 May 2008 Smoothie boom: Could cause an epidemic of tooth decay, warn dentists The goodness in fruit smoothies may be outweighed by the damage they do our teeth, say dentists. The sugar and acid content of the drinks could cause an "erosion epidemic", they warn. "Fruit smoothies are becoming increasingly popular and the fruit content can make them seem like a good idea," said Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Foundation. "However, they contain very high levels of sugar and acid and so can do a lot of damage to the teeth. "Dental health is often considered to be of secondary importance to other health issues, but this is wrong. "Latest scientific research has found strong links between oral health and a range of serious health conditions including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and low birth weight babies. "The message is clear, good oral health means good overall body health. "Smoothies can be a good way to get people to consume more fruit, but the high levels of sugar and acids means that they can do real damage if sipped throughout the day. "While sipping the drink your teeth are placed under a serious acid attack for up to an hour. "Constantly sipping on these drinks can cause the protective enamel to erode leading to pain, sensitivity and decay. "Parents often provide their child with fruit drinks thinking they are doing them good but, in reality, it is far better to keep them to mealtimes. "Around half of children under five suffer with decayed teeth and parents may not realise the harm a fruit smoothie is actually doing." The comments are backed by the results of the National Dental Survey 2008, conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation and Oral B. The survey found that more than 30 per cent of people think that fruit smoothies are actually good for the teeth.

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