Frequent exposure to sugar-sweetened soft drinks increases risk for dental caries (tooth decay), according to an American Dental Association (ADA) report to its policy-making body during the association's recent Annual Session.
That body, the House of Delegates last year opposed contractual arrangements that influence children's consumption patterns by promoting increased access to soft drinks. Citing three peer-reviewed epidemiological studies that show a positive association between caries risk and soft drink consumption, the report concludes, "Frequent ingestion of sugar-containing foods and beverages is a major risk factor in the frequency and severity of dental caries."
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, dental caries is the single most common chronic childhood disease. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
Preliminary data published from two small studies and five laboratory studies also suggest possible erosion of tooth enamel through frequent consumption of soft drinks.
"Though there is limited epidemiological evidence assessing the association between oral health and soft drink consumption, it consistently indicates that soft drinks adversely affect dental caries and enamel erosion," concludes the ADA report. "A balanced diet, including foods from the major food groups, helps provide the body with nutrients to maintain health."
Consistent with its mission of promoting oral health, the nation's largest oral health organization opposes targeting of children in promotion and advertising that has the potential to increase their consumption of foods and beverages low in nutritional value and high in decay-enhancing carbohydrates.
