Although federal regulations prohibit the sale of soft drinks to students during lunch hours in most schools, soft drink machines line hallways, which means the goods are accessible to students all day long.
Marketers of soft drinks, an industry that earns $60 billion and produces 15 billion gallons of soft drinks a year, continue to win the 'pick me' consumption battle with teenagers, especially in schools," says Jonathan Shenkin, DDS, lead author of the new report.
Unfortunately, the increased availability and pervasive marketing of soft drinks in schools has overshadowed healthy alternatives," says Dr. Shenkin.
In 1977, 12- to 19-year-olds drank 16 ounces of soda a day. In 1996, this same group consumed an average of 28 ounces a day. Soda consumption has increased from 22.2 gallons of cola per person per year in 1970 to 56 gallons in 1999.
These statistics alarm dentists, who agree pouring rights contracts, in which schools accept advertising and sales deals to boost finances, has helped boost the amount of cavities in teens, which is reverting the oral health of many teens to a pre-fluoride condition, according to Cindy Flanagan, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy.
Although Dr. Shenkin agrees more studies linking soft drinks to an increase in tooth decay are needed, and that the cause of cavities among teens can be multi-factorial, he strongly believes there is mounting evidence in this report that shows how soft drinks contribute to cavities in individuals that have high consumption rates.
We know most teens spend most of their day in school. We know they over consume soft drinks," says Dr. Shenkin. "We know these same teens also lack good nutrition in their diet. These individuals are not only prone to immediate tooth decay but also serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis."
Soft Drinks/Hard Consequences
- Brown holes in front teeth
- Receding puffy and red gums
- Loss of teeth
Learn How to Avoid Decay
- Drink only one serving size (8 ounces = 1 cup = the size of a fist)
- Drink only with meals
- Drink with a straw
- Brush teeth after drinking
- No toothbrush? Try rinsing with water or chew sugarless gum
- Consume a balanced diet with more dairy products
How Cavities Form
- Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, cakes, and even fruits and juices. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing, the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth.
Fact: A typical 12-ounce can of sugared soda contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugars.
Fact: The average male in the 12- to 19-year-old age group drinks the equivalent of 868 cans a year.