Dr Gwendolyn Amarquaye-Bayitse of Pepsodent Ghana's Dental TV show, Time with the Dentist, has urged Ghanaians to avoid continuous drunkenness and binge eating, as these behaviors can cause erosive effects on the teeth and acid reflux.
Our adult teeth are supposed to last a lifetime as they develop. As a result, we must do all possible to keep them healthy and robust by avoiding chronic drinking. Because these practices impact our digestive systems, tooth erosion is a possibility.
While teaching Ghanaians on Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often known as acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid rushes up the oesophagus and into the mouth at regular intervals, Gwendolyn Gwendolyn Gwendolyn Gwendoly.
"The stomach is a component of the body that produces a lot of acid to help in digestion. In a process called as demineralization, acid can dissolve some of the minerals in our teeth, such as calcium. Acid will come into touch with the teeth under any scenario that causes the mineral content to flow into the mouth."
"Conditions that promote frequent vomiting, such as pregnancy during particular trimesters, as well as bulimia, a disorder in which a person compels themselves to vomit after binge eating, can cause the stomach acid to come into contact with the teeth, resulting in tooth erosion," she noted. Chronic drinking can erosively affect teeth due to the acidity of alcoholic liquids."
For people who drink lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for different reasons, Dr. Amarquaye-Bayitse recommends using a straw to avoid direct contact with the teeth, which can cause them to erode or fall out altogether.
"When the enamel, the tooth's outermost layer, is exposed to acid over an extended length of time, it begins to wear away, causing discomfort or sensitivity to hot or cold liquids. Teeth become brittle and break down over time. Over time, you may acquire cavities and tooth discoloration," she warned.
She urged Ghanaians to see a dentist right once if they have any signs or discomfort in or around their teeth, and to maintain proper oral hygiene by using fluoridated Pepsodent toothpaste with fluoride. Pepsodent's dental TV show, Time with the Dentist, is produced in collaboration with the Ghana Dental Association. The show aims to educate Ghanaians on fundamental oral hygiene habits, how to care for one's teeth, and certain oral hygiene misconceptions and truths, among other things.
It airs on TV3 Adom TV, UTV, MX24, and GHOne TV once a week.