Wearing away

Explaining why this is a real worry, Professor Eder said: ‘Statistics collated by the Government suggest that over three-quarters of adults and more than 50 per cent of children show signs of tooth wear, and this is set to get worse if we don’t do something about it without delay.

‘In fact, since those figures were released, at the London Tooth Wear Centre we have seen an increase in the number of patients complaining of tooth sensitivity and displaying sharp or chipped front teeth, as well as tooth discolouration, including yellowing and loss of shine  – all indicators of tooth wear.

‘Even a healthy diet can cause tooth wear, such as frequently consuming fruit or fruit smoothies, especially as a snack on their own. Herbal teas, especially fresh lemon tea, can be very damaging, particularly if sipped over lengthy periods on a daily basis. Diet fizzy drinks, as well as a lot of sports drinks, can also create problems.