13-Year-Old Girl’s Love for Milk Tea Leads to Severe Tooth Decay

A 13-year-old girl’s daily habit of drinking milk tea resulted in 12 cavities and the need for dentures.

Xiao Hua, a 13-year-old schoolgirl from Hangzhou, China, had a daily routine that included drinking milk tea. She used it as a refreshing and stimulating drink, but soon noticed her teeth turning yellow and black. Her mother took her to the doctor for a check-up, and the diagnosis was shocking.

According to Dr. Zhang Huang from Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Xiao Hua’s teeth were severely damaged due to acid erosion. The examination revealed that her teeth were brittle, with many white spots, and fell out easily when touched. The doctor suspected severe acid erosion of the teeth.

A thorough examination revealed that Xiao Hua had 12 teeth with severe tooth decay, requiring root canal treatment and dentures. The doctor was puzzled by the extent of the damage at such a young age. When questioned, Xiao Hua’s mother revealed that she drank a glass of milk tea daily, but claimed it was not sweet, containing only 30% sugar. However, Dr. Zhang explained that even with reduced sugar content, milk tea still contains a significant amount of invisible sugar.

Dr. Zhang emphasized that sugar is not only fattening but also damaging to teeth. Oral bacteria use sugar to produce acid, which eats away at teeth. Drinking milk tea slowly, sipping it over time, exposes teeth to sugar for an extended period. If teeth are not cleaned immediately, it can lead to more cavities. Xiao Hua’s teeth turned yellow and black due to the stains matching the color of milk tea.

Dr. Zhang advises maintaining oral health by avoiding acidic and sweet foods. While it’s okay to drink milk tea, it’s essential to do so in moderation and not frequently. Rinsing the mouth with water after consuming sweet or sour foods can help regulate acidity. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste 30 minutes after eating can reduce tooth erosion. If teeth show signs of sensitivity, decay, or inflammation, it’s crucial to consult a dentist immediately.

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid acidic and sweet foods to maintain oral health.
• Drink milk tea in moderation and not frequently.
• Rinse the mouth with water after consuming sweet or sour foods.
• Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste 30 minutes after eating.
• Consult a dentist if teeth show signs of sensitivity, decay, or inflammation.