OK for kids to have a cuppa

HappyHeart · June 30, 2013

My kids only had fizzy drinks for special occasions,and still don't drink them (they're adults now)We offered hot drink alternatives,like Caro,hot choc (not the surgary ones)and the occasional tea alternative (caffeine free).We lived(and still do)an alternative lifestyle,so stayed clear of anything mainstream.

Thats not alternative! Just sensible! I must be very alternative then, my sons favourites are milk and water

tonyman · June 30, 2013

I dont see the problem with fizzy drinks either to be honest. I buy the flavoured mineral water stuff and the odd bottle of diet coke for the weekend. Not an everyday drink of choice but fine occasionally surely.

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Soft drink – it seems harmless enough when compared to illicit drugs, but new research suggests the fizzy concoctions may do just as much damage to your teeth as methamphetamine and crack cocaine use.

In a case study published in the American journal General Dentistry, Dr Mohamed Bassiouny compared the dental damage of a meth addict, a previous cocaine user and a woman who consumed 2 litres of diet soft drink each day for three to five years.

He found “striking similarities” between the state of each participant’s mouth. “Each person experienced severe tooth erosion caused by the high acid levels present in their ‘drug’ of choice,” said Dr Bassiouny.

Tooth erosion occurs when acid wears away the enamel on teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, discolouration and cracking.

While Dr Bassiouny said the findings should act as a wake-up call to soft drink lovers, the Australian Beverages Council, which represents the carbonated drinks industry, has questioned the credibility of the results.

“The [soft drink consumer] referenced in the [study] did not receive any dental health services for more than 20 years, or two thirds of her life,” says Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Beverages Council. “Any suggestion that consuming soft drink, diet or otherwise, as being a unique factor in poor dental health and compare it to that from illicit drug use is irresponsible.”

He adds: “The existing body of evidence and available science doesn’t support beverages being a unique factor in causing tooth decay or erosion.”

However, Australian-based dentist Dr Peter Alldritt says that while the results are shocking, they are also convincing. “I’m not surprised by the findings. Having worked as a dentist for over 21 years, I’ve seen a lot of teeth destroyed by soft drinks.”

Dr Alldritt, who is chair of the Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee, says that by drinking both regular and diet soft drinks, “you’re basically dissolving the tooth away in an acid bath”.

In fact, laboratory tests conducted in 2007 by Dr John Ruby from the University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Dentistry, determined the acidity, or pH, of various drinks. Acidity is measured on a scale of 0 (most acidic) to 14 (least acidic). While water has a pH of 7 (neutral), the diet and regular soft drinks tested ranged from 4 to 2.4. Battery acid has a pH of 1.

In addition to their acidity, Dr Alldritt says some soft drinks contain two other ingredients that contribute to poor dental health: sugar and caffeine.

A 600ml bottle of regular soft drink can contain the equivalent of 16 packets of sugar, which, according to Dr Alldritt, can contribute to tooth decay.

As for caffeine, which is found in some soft drinks and energy drinks, Dr Alldritt says dehydration is the biggest problem. Caffeine dries out the mouth so there is “less saliva to neutralise the acid”, he says.

How to care for your pearly whites

When it comes to your drink of choice, the Australian Beverages Council “supports [the consumption of] all beverages ... in moderation, as part of a balanced diet supported by a healthy and physically active lifestyle”, according to Mr Parker.

However, Dr Alldritt has a different opinion: “Ideally, you’d like to think we could eliminate soft drinks from the diet because they don’t have any nutritional value.”

“The less of them you drink, the safer it’s going to be for your teeth, not to mention your calorie intake,” he says.

But he does acknowledge that it’s unlikely the soft drink industry will go out of business anytime soon, in which case, he offers the following tips to soft drink lovers to minimise dental damage:

“Try to balance soft drink consumption with water.”
“Rinse your mouth out with water after consuming soft drink to get rid of much sugar as possible.”
“Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva.”
“Never brush your teeth [immediately] after drinking something acidic.” Soft drink softens the tooth enamel making teeth susceptible to damage from brushing. Instead, “wait around 60 minutes – that gives time for saliva to neutralise the acid and pump minerals, such as calcium, back into the teeth.”
“Don’t swish soft drink around in your mouth or hold it.” Rather, drink through a straw to minimise contact with teeth.
Choose your drinks wisely. If you can’t live without carbonated beverages, try switching to soda or mineral water, which don’t contain high levels of acid. “The fizziness [in these drinks] comes from carbon dioxide ... they are slightly more acidic than tap water but they are safe.”

Whether you’re a fan of soft drink or not, Dr Alldritt says it’s important to adopt the following habits for general dental health:

Ensure you have a healthy, balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods.
Practice excellent oral hygiene – brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
Visit your dentist regularly for a check-up.
Don’t smoke.

Copyright HealthLogix 2013

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