Soft drinks can harm teeth
Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities. In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss.
Sugar-free drinks are less harmful but they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.
Dr Billy Davis, the newly installed President of the Irish Dental Association, said during the annual conference of his organisation which took place in Galway earlier this month, “We really need to move urgently on this issue. In Ireland, we have one of the highest per capita soft drinks consumption in the western world. At over 100 litres per capita per annum, we are consuming at least one 330 ml can per day. This consumption has risen year on year since the 1980s. There are also increased general health risks, with people who consume excess sugar suffering higher rates of heart disease and diabetes.”
Statistics show that by the time they reach 15, 75% of Irish children have experienced tooth decay. This makes it the most common chronic disease children experience in Ireland. Dr Davis points out that studies have shown it is children from more deprived backgrounds who have a higher risk of decay, caused by bad diets of soft drinks and fast food.
Studies undertaken in the USA showed that non-cola soft drinks such as Sprite or Fanta caused 2-5 times more damage than darker drinks such as Coke or Pepsi, and non-cola drinks cause up to 180 times more tooth enamel damage than did water.
So, what can be done to prevent long-term tooth decay caused by carbonated soft drinks?
The best defense is of course, to drink fewer soft drinks or stay away from them altogether. Allowing more time in between soft drinks and rinsing your mouth with water after consumption of a soft drink will also help. Drinking your soft drink with a straw will reduce the soda’s contact with your teeth. And obviously, brush your teeth as often as you can, using a good quality fluoride toothpaste.
Sugar-free drinks are less harmful but they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.
Dr Billy Davis, the newly installed President of the Irish Dental Association, said during the annual conference of his organisation which took place in Galway earlier this month, “We really need to move urgently on this issue. In Ireland, we have one of the highest per capita soft drinks consumption in the western world. At over 100 litres per capita per annum, we are consuming at least one 330 ml can per day. This consumption has risen year on year since the 1980s. There are also increased general health risks, with people who consume excess sugar suffering higher rates of heart disease and diabetes.”
Statistics show that by the time they reach 15, 75% of Irish children have experienced tooth decay. This makes it the most common chronic disease children experience in Ireland. Dr Davis points out that studies have shown it is children from more deprived backgrounds who have a higher risk of decay, caused by bad diets of soft drinks and fast food.
Studies undertaken in the USA showed that non-cola soft drinks such as Sprite or Fanta caused 2-5 times more damage than darker drinks such as Coke or Pepsi, and non-cola drinks cause up to 180 times more tooth enamel damage than did water.
So, what can be done to prevent long-term tooth decay caused by carbonated soft drinks?
The best defense is of course, to drink fewer soft drinks or stay away from them altogether. Allowing more time in between soft drinks and rinsing your mouth with water after consumption of a soft drink will also help. Drinking your soft drink with a straw will reduce the soda’s contact with your teeth. And obviously, brush your teeth as often as you can, using a good quality fluoride toothpaste.
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