Whether it is called pop or soda, these sugary and carbonated soft drinks can cause serious oral health problems, if consumed regularly. Soft drinks have been proven to emerge as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay and it affects people of all ages. Acidic sugar byproducts in these drinks will soften tooth enamel and contribute to the formation of cavities. Combined with improper brushing or grinding of teeth, these conditions can even lead to tooth loss.
Soft drink consumption has dramatically increased over the years and across many demographic groups, especially among teenagers and children. The problem has become so serious that many health authorities around the world have started to sound the alarm on the ill effects sugary drinks can have on one’s oral health. Let’s take a look at five popular pop and soda drinks and how much sugar each of them contains:
• Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy is among the most popular drinks of an ever-growing market of energy drinks. On average, they can contain up thirteen-and-a-half teaspoons of sugar.
• Gatorade
Gatorade is another popular sports drink that claims to provide better hydration and energy to meet the needs of endurance athletes. On average, they can contain up to eight-and-a-half teaspoons of sugar.
• Caramel Frappuccino’s from Starbucks
Starbucks, whose logo and name, has become synonymous with premium coffee offers a signature line of frozen coffee beverages called Frappuccino’s. These drinks can contain up to nearly twelve teaspoons of sugar.
• Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company is without a doubt a global leader in the beverage industry that offers a plethora of soft drinks, fruit juices, etc. The well-known carbonated soft drink can contain up to sixteen and a quarter teaspoons of sugar.
• Snapple
Owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Snapple is a popular brand of juice and tea drinks. Their line of Kiwi Strawberry Juice drinks can contain up to twelve and three-quarter teaspoons of sugar.
How does sugar from these drinks affect your teeth?
Sugar plays a big role in the formation of cavities. The food we eat contains sugar and it stays in the mouth even after we swallow. Bacteria, which can produce acids that cause tooth decay, will live on these traces of sugar. Drinks that contain a lot of concentrated sugar can stick to your teeth and will wreak havoc on your oral health over time.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the harmful effects of sugar. Simply cut down on your intake of pop and soda drinks and opt for water when you are thirsty. You may also want to limit the amount of sugary drinks you keep in your home so that you will be less tempted to reach into your refrigerator to grab one when you feel like it.
Since you wouldn’t consume multiple teaspoons of sugar simultaneously, why should you be going for sugary drinks all the time? Water is definitely the better alternative to consider and if you have been drinking a lot of carbonated soft drinks recently (especially during the holiday season), make sure you visit your dentist to check on your dental health!
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