Think Before You Drink

Everybody should take time to enjoy a Coke.  Do the Dew.  The message is the same.  Drink and be refreshed; it is safe and will not harm you.  There are even diet style drinks for the calorie conscious.   From an oral health perspective, all create an acidic environment in the mouth and are a significant cause for cavities.  The bacteria which cause cavities use the sugars in the drinks along with the acid to make an environment to live.  Diet drinks do the same.  Unfortunately it is at the expense of your teeth. 

It is well documented that the acidity of soft drinks not only inhibits nutritional intake but also acts as sponge to take calcium away from your body.  Increased risk of osteoporosis later in life occurs after only 4 soft drink servings per week.  On average Americans consume 53 gallons of soft drinks a year, more than beer, milk, water and coffee.  For teenagers 40% of their calorie intake is from soft drinks.  We cannot expect to stop a $60 billion a year industry, but merely ask you to evaluate your habits for the well being of your teeth and bones.   So, think twice before you Do the Dew. 

–Authored by Eric Hogan, DDS