| A nutrition bar and a soda may be
all that busy teens have time to eat these days. But
on-the-run dieting may be ruining their teeth and
overall health, according to a study published in the
January/February 2003 issue of General Dentistry,
the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical,
peer-reviewed journal.
"Premature loss of tooth
enamel and weakening of overall tooth structure are two
devastating oral effects of teens' poor diet that cannot
be reversed later in life," says study author Jane
Soxman, DDS. She notes that adolescence is the time of
peak bone growth, when more nutrient-packed calories are
essential to fuel growing bodies and strengthen teeth
and bones. However, adolescence is also the time when
soda and sugary, high-carbohydrate foods displace
healthy foods such as milk, fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Soxman's report shows drinking
carbonated beverages seems to be one of the most
significant causes of increased cavities and obesity for
today's teens. The phosphoric, citric, tartaric and/or
carbonic acid in soda is linked to breaking down the
tooth enamel around dental sealants and restorations,
further compromising teens' teeth and leading to more
extensive dental treatment to prevent total tooth loss.
The average teenage male drinks
the equivalent of 868 cans of soda each year, according
to the AGD.
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