The popularity of soft drinks increases year after year, due in part to their sweet taste, and in part to the aggressive and pervasive advertising campaigns run by soda companies.
Recent statistics indicate that soft drinks are now the single largest source of calories in the typical American diet, accounting for up to 7% of all calorie intake.
Among teenagers, the number is even higher - soft drinks account for nearly 13% of their total calories.
Despite a very recent decrease in soft drink consumption in 2004, the amount of soda consumed by the average American every year is staggering - over 50 gallons per person.
A Danger to Oral Health Soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which are added to give sodas their characteristic good taste.
Unfortunately, both these components pose significant risks to dental and oral health.
As any child knows, sugar is a key culprit in the development of cavities because it provides attractive food to bacteria.
With soft drinks, however, sugar-related cavities are only part of the story.
Because of their liquid nature, gulping down soft drinks is equivalent to bathing teeth in a solution of acids and sugar.
Over time, even the relatively mild acids in soft drinks can eat away and weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.
Many dentists have attempted to warn the public about this issue, to very little effect.
Another indirect effect of soda consumption is the reduced consumption of other, healthier drinks.
For example, in the late 1970s, both boys and girls consumed much more milk than soda - over 50% more milk for girls, and double that for boys.
By the late 1990s, in contrast, both sexes consumed twice as much soda as milk.
The reduced consumption of milk has led to a deficiency in the intake of important vitamins and minerals.
Calcium, in particular, is important to the maintenance of strong teeth and bones.
Without a sufficient supply of calcium, the body cannot properly maintain the integrity of teeth - combined with the damaging effects of the sugar and acid in popular soft drinks, and it is easy to see why dentists are concerned.
What You Can Do Obviously, lowering or eliminating soft drink consumption entirely is not a very likely solution.
Sodas are so prevalent in the American diet that elimination is simply unrealistic.
Therefore, if you are concerned about the effect of soft drinks on your oral health, consider the following steps.
First, take a good look at your brushing and flossing habits.
These are vital if you are to counteract the negative effects of soft drinks.
Second, try to reduce your soft drink consumption as much as possible, and replace it with beneficial liquids such as milk or fluoridated water.
Third, if you must drink sodas, use a straw when possible, to minimize contact with your teeth.
A timely visit to the dentist is always a key factor in maintaining good oral and dental health.
Call 715-849-5667 to schedule an appointment with Wausau dentist James S.
Kim, DDS.
Recent statistics indicate that soft drinks are now the single largest source of calories in the typical American diet, accounting for up to 7% of all calorie intake.
Among teenagers, the number is even higher - soft drinks account for nearly 13% of their total calories.
Despite a very recent decrease in soft drink consumption in 2004, the amount of soda consumed by the average American every year is staggering - over 50 gallons per person.
A Danger to Oral Health Soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which are added to give sodas their characteristic good taste.
Unfortunately, both these components pose significant risks to dental and oral health.
As any child knows, sugar is a key culprit in the development of cavities because it provides attractive food to bacteria.
With soft drinks, however, sugar-related cavities are only part of the story.
Because of their liquid nature, gulping down soft drinks is equivalent to bathing teeth in a solution of acids and sugar.
Over time, even the relatively mild acids in soft drinks can eat away and weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.
Many dentists have attempted to warn the public about this issue, to very little effect.
Another indirect effect of soda consumption is the reduced consumption of other, healthier drinks.
For example, in the late 1970s, both boys and girls consumed much more milk than soda - over 50% more milk for girls, and double that for boys.
By the late 1990s, in contrast, both sexes consumed twice as much soda as milk.
The reduced consumption of milk has led to a deficiency in the intake of important vitamins and minerals.
Calcium, in particular, is important to the maintenance of strong teeth and bones.
Without a sufficient supply of calcium, the body cannot properly maintain the integrity of teeth - combined with the damaging effects of the sugar and acid in popular soft drinks, and it is easy to see why dentists are concerned.
What You Can Do Obviously, lowering or eliminating soft drink consumption entirely is not a very likely solution.
Sodas are so prevalent in the American diet that elimination is simply unrealistic.
Therefore, if you are concerned about the effect of soft drinks on your oral health, consider the following steps.
First, take a good look at your brushing and flossing habits.
These are vital if you are to counteract the negative effects of soft drinks.
Second, try to reduce your soft drink consumption as much as possible, and replace it with beneficial liquids such as milk or fluoridated water.
Third, if you must drink sodas, use a straw when possible, to minimize contact with your teeth.
A timely visit to the dentist is always a key factor in maintaining good oral and dental health.
Call 715-849-5667 to schedule an appointment with Wausau dentist James S.
Kim, DDS.
SHARE
