Bravo to the letter writer (M.M. Yaghi) in May JADA ("Soda Pop and Caries") who has identified a long-neglected problem in our profession—dentists not educating their patients about the harmful effects of sugary drinks. I, too, have noticed a significant increase in the prevalence of cervical demineralization and Class V decay in teen-agers and young adults. Unfortunately, this problem is often found in that segment of the population that can least afford the necessary care.
We, as a profession, have allowed the soft drink companies to fund our schools in return for a soda machine on every floor. Go to any Saturday sporting event and you will see countless participants drinking so-called "sports drinks." As an ex-marathoner and triathlete, I am very familiar with the value of such drinks in endurance events, but for a baseball or soccer game? Water is the appropriate fluid replacement for events lasting under one hour.
The soft drink companies have saturated the youth community with their message: "Reach for a sugary drink when you are thirsty." In Denver, our new arena is actually called the Pepsi Center!
While I urge all dental professionals to educate their patients on the appropriate consumption of soft drinks, I urge the ADA to consider a public service campaign on this very topic. It would be sad to see the incredible benefits of fluoride reversed in one generation because of the dental profession’s inactivity.
