Study Examines the Connection Between Diet, Obesity, and Tooth Wear

Understanding Tooth Wear

Tooth wear refers to the gradual loss of enamel that occurs over time, independent of trauma or decay. This condition can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and indentations. Common causes include erosion from acidic foods and beverages, frequent vomiting, teeth grinding, improper brushing techniques, or using teeth to open objects.

Impact of Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated beverages are particularly damaging due to their acidic nature, attributed to carbonic acid, which produces the characteristic bubbles. These drinks are also rich in sugar and calories, contributing to potential weight gain and obesity. Given the established link between carbonated drinks, obesity, and tooth wear, recent research has sought to explore these relationships further.

Research Overview

A study conducted in the United States and published in *Clinical Oral Investigations* focused on the association between obesity and tooth wear. The study involved over 3,500 participants aged 18 and older, all of whom exhibited some degree of tooth wear. Tooth wear severity was categorized into four levels: sound, mild, moderate, and severe. Participants’ body mass index (BMI) was also assessed, classifying them as normal (BMI under 25), overweight (BMI between 25 and 30), or obese (BMI above 30).

Dietary Recall Methodology

Participants were asked to recall their dietary intake for the previous 24 hours. Researchers followed up with participants between three and ten days later to gather additional dietary information. This data helped evaluate the average consumption of various drinks, including sugar-sweetened acidic beverages like soda, non-acidic sweetened drinks, non-sweetened acidic drinks, and non-sweetened non-acidic drinks.

Study Findings

The study revealed a correlation between obesity and increased severity of tooth wear among those affected. Overweight participants exhibited 1.72 times more enamel surface damage, while obese individuals showed 1.61 times more damage. Notably, obesity was not linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing tooth wear. Furthermore, consuming one additional sweetened acidic drink daily was associated with 1.40 times more damaged surfaces, while an extra non-sweetened non-acidic drink per day correlated with a 17% decrease in tooth wear severity.

Conclusions and Future Research

The findings suggest a potential connection between obesity and tooth wear, with the consumption of soft drinks possibly acting as a common factor. However, further research is required to solidify this correlation and explore the underlying mechanisms.

References

Jr., A. D. W. (2018, May 14). Tooth Enamel: Erosion and Restoration. Retrieved October 28, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration#3-7.
Kamal, Y., O’Toole, S., & Bernabe, E. (2019). Obesity and tooth wear among American Adults: the role of sugar sweetened drinks. Clinical Oral Investigations. doi: 10.1007/s00784-019-03079-5
Soft drinks found to be the crucial link between obesity and tooth wear. (2019, October 27). Retrieved October 28, 2019, from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/kcl-sdf102519.php.
Tooth Wear. (2015, February 27). Retrieved October 28, 2019, from https://www.dentalhealth.ie/dentalhealth/causes/toothwear.html.
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