Soft Drinks Wreck Young People's Teeth Within 30 Seconds

A new study has found that these acidic drinks can also cause major and irreversible damage to young people’s teeth within 30 seconds.

People have been moving away from soft drinks on their own for several years due to the overwhelmingly adverse health effects. A new study has found that these acidic drinks can also cause major and irreversible damage to young people’s teeth within 30 seconds.

The study states drinks high in acidic content combined with night-time tooth grinding and reflux can cause major damage to young people's teeth. The damages can lead to a lifetime of compromised dental health that may require an extensive dental restoration.

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Researchers say, the number of cases of tooth erosion from the consumption of acidic beverages is on the rise in kids and young adults.

"Children and adolescents often grind their teeth at night, and they can have undiagnosed regurgitation (the expulsion of material from the pharynx usually characterized by the presence of undigested food or blood) which brings with it acidity from the stomach. Combined with drinks high in acidity, this creates ‘triple threat’ to young people's teeth which can cause irreversible damage to teeth," they explained.

Health experts say parents should minimize consumption of any kind of soft drinks, sports drink, fruit juice or acidic foods that could be taken by their kids.

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“Permanent damage to the tooth enamel occurs within the first 30 seconds of high acidity coming into contact with the teeth. This is a significant finding and it suggests that such drinks must be avoided. If high acidic drinks are consumed, it is not simply a matter of having a kid clean their teeth an hour or 30 minutes later and hoping they'll be alright - the damage is already done," experts said.

They suggest children consume fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Although fresh fruit is naturally acidic, it is a healthier option to fruit juice, which can have additional food acids in it.

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Healthy drink alternatives

For better overall health, stop the consumption of soft drinks and sodas and opt for a healthier alternative. Here are your healthy drink choices.

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Water - It is the ultimate healthy drink and it has no calories. Instead of spending too much on unhealthy soft drinks, always choose mineral water.

Water with lemon or lime - Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients and lemon juice is full of it. Its benefits include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems and eye disease. Hence, water with lemon is a healthy drink.

Milk - This is another essential healthy drink, particularly for kids. An 8-ounce glass of nonfat milk has 80 calories and several essential nutrients. You get a lot of bang for your buck.

Tea - Whatever teas you prefer — green, black, herbal — they all contain high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body from damage.

Source-Medindia