A little bit of delay posting this latest version. I've been having some computer issues that are taking some time to resolve. However, I've managed to get things organized enough to post this article on the relationship between soda or pop consumption and tooth erosion.
This is becoming an ever more common problem in our younger patient population. The article summed it pretty well in this statement:
...any highly acidic food has the potential to cause structural damage to the teeth. It's the job of saliva to restore the mouth's normal acid balance, but a steady diet of tart and tangy foods can overwhelm this natural defense.
Like almost everything in life, the key is moderation. I find it highly unlikely that most kids would shy away from soda totally, so practical success will be the limiting of intake and encouraging the rinsing or drinking of water shortly afterwards.
Take care!
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
