It comes in different flavors, colors and container sizes. For children, it is a tasty and easily accessible beverage. In fact, more and more schools have soda machines available to thirsty students. In light of this, the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) encourages parents to discuss with their children the fact that excessive soda consumption can lead to very serious tooth decay.

"Traditionally, candy and other sweet foods have shouldered much of the blame for cavities and decay," said Michael Donohoo, DDS, WDA member Milwaukee dentist. "However, soda consumption among families has substantially increased throughout the years, and it has become a poor substitute for water and milk in many households."

According to Dr. Donohoo, human teeth were not made to withstand that type of daily exposure to soda. Plaque or bacteria that have established an active colony in the patient's mouth convert the sugar in the beverages to acid. This acid is responsible for breaking down tooth enamel and causing cavities.

While sweet and sticky foods can do their share of damage, it is the quantity and frequency of soda consumption that is the root of the problem. According to the July 1996 issue of Healthline magazine, three-fourths of all teenage boys consume almost three 12-ounce cans of soda per day, while two-thirds of all teenage girls consume two 12-ounce cans of soda per day.

Alarmingly, one 12-ounce can of regular soda contains approximately 40 grams of sugar or the equivalent of 10 teaspoons. Drinking sodas at that rate and constantly bathing teeth in the sugary liquid can cause very rapid deterioration of tooth structure in a very short amount of time.

"Personally, I have seen hundreds of kids, between the ages of six and ten, with previously very healthy mouths come into my office for a check-up, and it looks like a bomb went off," said Donohoo. "The common denominator in most of those cases was a dramatic increase in soda drinking."

Dr. Donohoo said the upper teeth are usually the most affected by soda consumption with most of the decay forming between teeth where it's hard to brush, but liquid has easy access. He recommends drinking soda out of a straw to cut down on the exposure of soda to teeth.

Dr. Donohoo points out that the effect of soda on teeth is not nearly as dramatic if teeth are kept clean and well maintained. Brushing and flossing coupled with regular six-month checkups, are critical in preventing a build-up of plaque and bacteria that use tasty treats, such as soda, as a means to go to work on tooth enamel.

"It's really the combination of bacteria and plaque caused by poor oral hygiene and soda consumption that's the problem," said Donohoo. "We encourage parents to talk to their children about the effects of soda, and the long-term consequences it can have on their mouths. It can go a long way to keeping their children's mouths cavity-free."

Dr. Donohoo recommends parents try to set a good example for children by cutting down their soda intake as well and keeping access to soda at a minimum. Also, keep alternatives to soda such as water or milk available for thirsty youngsters.