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Michelle Obama and other health activists have long touted the dangers of soft drinks in relation to overall health. Not as many activists talk about soda’s effect on one’s dental health. One 12 ounce can of regular Coke contains 9 and 1/3 teaspoons of sugar alone. Bacteria in our mouth consume the sugar from soda and produce an acid that clings to our teeth. This acid byproduct can eat through tooth enamel, the top layer of teeth, and lead to cavities. In today’s blog your Mansfield dentists Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris discuss the rise of soda consumption in today’s youth and what we can do.

Younger Generation Drinks More Soda than Older Generations

Soft drink consumption has risen drastically across all demographics but children and teenagers have especially raised their soda consumption. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, calories originating from sugary drinks like soda rose by 60 percent in children ages 6 to 11 from 1989 to 2008. American beverage companies in the US dedicate millions of dollars to advertise soft drinks, and a large portion of that advertising targets kids ages 2 to 17. Increases in soda drinking may also be due in part to the fact that soft drinks have enlarged from smaller, more appropriate serving sizes to Big Gulp size.

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris’s Advice

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris offer some practical tips for soda drinkers:

  • Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing twice a day for two minutes. You may also consider using a fluoride mouthwash if you are prone to developing cavities.
  • Create a list of alternative drinks to soda such as milk, water, and 100 percent fruit juice. Model these healthier choices to your kids so that they may learn from your example.
  • After drinking a soda, remember to rinse your mouth with water to clear away as much of the sugars as possible.

About your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.