However, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, drinking soft drinks and other beverages through a properly positioned straw can help to minimize the risk of cavities.
The report tracked patient drinking habits and found that different factors -- such as the frequency of sipping and the amount of time the beverage remains in the mouth -- affect the type, location and severity of tooth decay. For example, decay will be concentrated in the back molars of a person who drinks directly from a can. Or, decay will be found on the teeth in the front of the mouth in a person who drinks through a straw positioned at the front of the mouth, right behind the lips.
"Your best option is to sip soft drinks and other beverages through a straw positioned towards the back of the mouth," advises Mohamed A. Bassiouny, DMD, MSc, PhD, and lead reporter. "Doing so will limit the amount of time the beverage is in contact with the teeth."
Soft drinks contain one or more acids, commonly phosphoric and citric acids. These acids erode dental enamel, the thin outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth structure and shape.
A dentist can tell when a patient gets cavities from drinking acidic beverages, such as soft drinks, since the decayed areas are often darker in color and takes up more space on the tooth. The cavities also often appear near the gumline.
The AGD is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.
SOURCE Academy of General Dentistry
| Share |