| Soft drinks contribute to tooth decay. Besides sugar,
they contain acids such as phosphoric and citric acids,
which erode dental enamel. An occasional soft drink
probably won't cause long-term harm, but a steady diet
puts people at higher risk for cavities and other oral
health problems.
Soda drinkers may reduce some of
the risk by drinking through a properly positioned
straw.
A report in the May/June 2005 issue
of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's
peer-reviewed journal, found that the amount of decay
increases the longer that teeth are exposed to soda.
Researchers also found that decay concentrates on the
back molars when people drink soda directly from a can
and allow the liquid to pool in the mouth.
"Your best option is to sip soft
drinks and other beverages through a straw positioned
towards the back of the mouth," said Mohamed A.
Bassiouny, D.M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., and lead researcher.
"Doing so will limit the amount of time the beverage
is in contact with the teeth."
Americans drink an average 576 soft drinks each year.
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends replacing
some of those sodas each day with water for healthier
oral health. |
