Dental implants could be sought by an increasing number of adults after tooth erosion has been revealed as a growing problem.Tooth erosion is a problem which many parents may not be aware of, which could result in some people needing dental implants when they are older. 
The Independent reported that mums and dads encourage their children to brush their teeth to prevent decay, but tooth erosion caused by acidic food and drinks can seriously impact upon dental health.
It referred to a recent survey of children’s dental health which found that there was a significant increase in erosion between 1993 and 2003.
Furthermore, tooth erosion of adult teeth affects more children as they get older. Dental implant surgery could therefore be required by individuals who suffered serious tooth erosion from a young age.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement but this could be avoided if people regularly visit their dentist who can look for signs of tooth erosion and advise how this problem can be minimised.
Speaking to the newspaper, Tony Smith, professor of oral biology at The University of Birmingham, said: “I advise people to wait 40 minutes or an hour after having acidic food or drinks before they brush their teeth.”
This is because the acid can pre-soften enamel, which can then be damaged with heavy brushing.
