Dentist Finder San Diego

A study, involving 40,000 state residents, by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the nonprofit California Center for Public Health Advocacy in Davis shows that children are twice as likely to consume soft drinks as adults. In San Diego County, 46 percent of youngsters ages 2 to 17 drank at least one soda a day, while the figure was 21 percent for adults. The statewide numbers were 49 percent for children and 24 percent for adults.

The link between soda consumption and tooth decay is clear. The low pH and sugary content of soft drinks can lead to tooth decay. Researchers found that 13 percent of teens drank three or more sodas daily, or the equivalent of consuming more than 51 teaspoons of sugar, which greatly increases the tooth destruction potential.

Soft drinks are not the only problem. Health officials note that when consumers have fewer chances to buy sodas, they often switch to beverages that can be equally unhealthful, including sports drinks, high-sugar juices and coffee-based beverages.

Helpful tips to avoid tooth erosion:

• Use a straw to avoid the teeth immersion in liquid
• Drink the acidic beverage at once, instead of sipping it all day
• Substitute acidic beverages with water
• Do not brush teeth for 30-60 minutes after drinking
• Rinse mouth with water after drinking soft drinks