New Tips to Minimize Acid Erosion Revealed

April 17, 2007, Dubai.  Today's teeth are under threat from a serious dental condition called acid erosion.   Caused by the 21st Century lifestyle and today's modern diet acid erosion can result in serious dental problems in both men and women of all ages.

Acid erosion occurs when acidic food and drink come into contact with teeth and the tooth enamel surface temporarily softens.  Over time this acidic softening can cause significant wear, particularly when combined with abrasion from toothpaste during tooth brushing.

Today's modern diet, quick-fix food being part of today's lifestyle and a fashion for white bright teeth, resulting in the emergence more abrasive whitening toothpastes, can irreversibly damage your teeth by softening the enamel surface and making it prone to wear. Acid erosion is the 21st Century's greatest threat to teeth since cavities.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been actively running an awareness campaign across the Middle East about acid erosion and its potential damage to teeth.  David Alexander, Medical Marketing Director commented,  "GSK is a leading oral care company committed to raising awareness of the effects of acid erosion with dental professionals and the public at large.  The aim is to ensure that steps are taken to identify the early signs and protect teeth as our lifestyles evolve."

GSK released its tips to minimizing acid erosion:

  • Think carefully about your eating and drinking habits.  Acidic food and drink should pass through your mouth quickly to reduce the time they are in contact with your teeth.

  • Take soft drinks quickly, avoiding many small sips over a prolonged period.

  • Use a drinking straw directed into your mouth and not directed onto your teeth.

  • Do not hold liquids in your mouth or swish it around, such as to take the gas out of fizzy drinks.

  • Do not suck or chew on fruit for prolong periods of time.

  • Think about what you eat.  Eat sufficient neutralizing foods such as cheese after an acidic food or drink.

  • Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after acid-containing meals or drinks, as this is when enamel is most soft and likely to be damaged.  Best time to brush is one hour after an acidic meal or drink.

  • Brush your teeth gently but thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste.

  • Follow the advise of your dental professional and make sure you have regular dental checks.

Education is the best defence.  The effects of acid erosion are irreversible and the way we live today impacts upon your total well being.  The modern lifestyle might be good for your health - but may be bad for your teeth.

-Ends-

About GSK
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare: A world leader in Oral Care.

Everyday, more than 200 million people around the world use a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) brand of toothpaste and toothbrush. With a presence in more than 130 countries, GSK consumer healthcare has established itself as one of the world leaders in science-driven oral care products. GSK is present in the Middle East with a complete range of oral care products (toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash and denture care products) with brands like:

Sensodyne, which is the world's most recommended toothpaste by dentists for the control of dentinal hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth).

Parodontax, with its unique herbal ingredients, provides an effective treatment to periodontal diseases.

Corega denture cleansers and fixatives improve the quality of life of thousands of denture-wearers around the region.

Corsodyl, treats and prevents chronic gingivitis.

Aquafresh offers a total range of oral care products that have a close affinity to families in the Middle East.

Contact
For more information contact GolinHarris:
Vicki Morley,
Senior Account Manager
(vmorley@golinharris.com)

Cynthia Darwish,
Account Executive
(cdarwish@golinharris.com)
telephone (00 971 4) 332 3308

© Press Release 2007