Soft drinks can be hard on your child's teeth

  • Published
  • By Capt. Benjamin Coon
  • 28th Medical Group
With the increasing popularity of "extreme sports" among today's youth, many soft drink advertisers have begun to target children as consumers. As a result, some kids are passing up healthier calcium-rich milk and water to enhance their energy and improve their performance. 

In the past 10 years, soft drink consumption among children has almost doubled in the United States. Today's average teenage boy consumes three or more cans of soda per day, and 10 percent drink seven or more cans a day. The average for teenage girls is more than two cans a day, and 10 percent drink more than five cans a day. These teens may not understand how these nutritional choices can affect their teeth. 

The consumption of soda at a very young age is causing an increase in tooth decay nationwide. Tooth decay is a demineralization of dental hard tissues due to the acid from fermentation of dietary sugars. While many Americans might know that the consumption of sugar leads to tooth decay, many people, especially youngsters, do not know that the demineralization to dental structures may occur in the absence of sugar. Monitors have shown that soft drinks are extremely acidic. The severe acidity of these beverages, even diet sodas and sport drinks, can be detrimental to one's oral health and cause irreversible damage to the young, immature enamel of children's teeth. 

Children ages eight to 17 are at increased risk to tooth decay from the consumption of acidic and sugar-rich soft drinks. The enamel of newly erupted teeth in teenagers is immature, and the crystalline structure is porous, chalky and is easily penetrated and dissolved by acids. Over time, the continuous exposure of the dental structures to the acid causes decay. If left untreated, tooth decay may result in the premature removal of teeth. 

The Ellsworth dental clinic encourages members to limit or elimate child soft drink consumption. If they must drink soda, have them use a straw to keep sugars and acid away from the teeth. Promote rinsing with water or brushing after soft drink consumption. Also, servicemembers can support the use of fluoridated toothpaste and consumption of fluoridated water. Regular dental visits are still important. 

These precautions can greatly improve the overall oral health of children. 

For more information, call the dental clinic at 385-3657.