The studies have shown that dietary intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased in the past 30 years and there is a direct association between sugar-sweetened beverages intake and dental caries. There are different SSBs with amount of sugar and type of sugars, but all of the sugars are more bioavailable and more fermentable by oral bacteria and potentially cariogenic.
The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is approximately 40 percent in children and 55 percent in adult. When we intake sugar-sweetened beverage, carbohydrates are fermented by oral bacteria and acid production in tooth surface then resulting enamel dissolution.
Studies by researchers in vitro have shown that ability of oral bacteria such as streptococcus mutans to produce acid from sucrose, glucose and lactose. 5,6
Beverages acting like a vehicle to deliver cariogenic sugars to oral bacteria.Caries experiences associated with soda pop, 100 percent fruit juice, juice drink,sport drinks and milk have been documented in vivo . 8,25,26,27,28
Recommendations for reducing caries risk associated with sugar sweetened beverages and 100 percent fruit juice:
Consume SSBs and fruit juice at meals time, once per day, with in limited time such as 15 minutes and try to use straw or decrease the amount of intake .
Also oral hygiene such as brushing teeth with fluoridated tooth paste 20 minutes after intake of SSBs and 100 percent fruit juice or drinking water ,chewing sugar free gum immediately after intake of SSBs and 100 percent fruit juice.
If you are in the Arlington area, we would love to serve your dental needs, or if you are in or around Loudoun County, please visit our friends at Loudoun Smile Center and Dental Smiles at Purcellville Gateway.
Reference :
-The Journal of the American Dental Association October 1, 2013
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27- Marshall TA, Levy SM, Broffitt B, et al. Dental caries and beverage consumption in young children. Pediatrics 2003;112(3, pt 1):e184–e191. Abstract/FREE Full Text
28- Marshall TA, Broffitt B, Eichenberger-Gilmore J, Warren JJ, Cunningham MA, Levy SM. The roles of meal, snack, and daily total food and beverage exposures on caries experience in young children. J Public Health Dent 2005;65(3):166–173.