The Health Effects of Soda

Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Payson, AZ.

U.S. consumption of soft drinks has increased enormously, especially among children and teens. In 2000, over 15 billion gallons of soda were sold, which is more than one 12-ounce bottle daily for every man, woman and child.

Soda and Your Teeth

Soda pop is now one of the leading dietary causes of tooth decay for people of all ages. It used to be an occasional treat but is now the preferred beverage for many, and has replaced healthier drinks like water and milk. Twist-off bottle caps seem to have encouraged many people to sip on soft drinks all day instead of just drinking an occasional can.

Any acid will eat into tooth enamel. Soda drinks are acidic and full of sugar. The sugar interacts with bacteria in your mouth and forms an acid which remains on your teeth for 20 minutes or longer, while your mouth creates enough saliva to wash it away. The acid erodes the enamel and makes it thinner and softer. If you also have poor dental hygiene and perhaps a habit of tooth grinding or clenching, decay will be the result.

Soda Pop and Cancer

Research has suggested a link between increased soda consumption and increased occurrence of esophageal cancer. During 2007 and 2008, incidence of esophageal cancer rose by 66 percent. In nations such as Japan and China, where soft drinks are far less popular, there has been no rise in esophageal cancer.

One cause of the increased cancer incidence is Gastric Reflux disease, where the stomach acid juices leak upward into the esophagus. This happens more often in obese people who therefore may be at increased risk for this type of cancer.

Soda Drinks and Obesity

Currently, one third of Americans are diagnosed as clinically obese. The main ingredient of soda pop is high-fructose corn syrup, which is also high-calorie. Since people have been drinking multiple sodas daily since about 1980, they have increased their caloric intake by probably hundreds of calories.

Studies have suggested that people who drink a lot of soda pop do not decrease their food intake. The introduction of many “all you can eat” buffets and ever-larger servings in many restaurants has also increased caloric intake for Americans.

There are also other causes of obesity, such as genetics and sedentary jobs. But many people could prevent obesity by exercising and eating a healthy and moderate diet.

Soda Pop and Bones

The acidity of most regular and diet soda drinks has an impact on bone density by limiting calcium absorption. By age 16, girls have developed 90 to 97 percent of their bone mass, which makes adequate calcium intake very important. The recommended calcium intake per day is 1,300 milligrams but national statistics show that only 19 percent of girls aged 9 to 19 are getting that.

Research also shows a link between soda consumption and bone fractures in teenage girls. That puts many female teens at great risk of osteoporosis, and some already show symptoms of it. To reverse this trend, we need good early education on the importance of adequate calcium consumption and on the negative effects of copious soda intake.

If you or your child would like more information on the health effects of daily soda pop drinking, especially on the dental effects, please contact our dentistry office today for a personal consultation.