Overview
It's no secret there exists a strong link between soda consumption and tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption has also been linked to other health complications including diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.  

During the past generation, milk intakes have decreased while soda pop and 100 percent juice intakes have increased.1-3  It has become a daily habit for a growing number of people, especially kids, teens and young adults. A steady diet of soft drinks is the leading cause of tooth decay.

However, measures can be taken to prevent and reduce tooth decay. The conclusions of a recent study supports contemporary daily dietary guidelines for children that includes:

• Consuming two or more servings of dairy foods

• Limiting the intake of 100 percent juice to four to six ounces

• Restricting other sugared beverages to occasional use 4

This doesn't mean a person should never drink soda. In fact, drinking it in moderation may represent no harm at all.  However, substituting acidic carbonated beverages for water or intake of caloric food could be problematic in the long run.5

"Sip All Day, Get Decay"
The "Sip All Day, Get Decay" slogan isn't just meant to be a catchy tagline - it's literally the truth! Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or "sugar-free" soda contains its own acid which damages teeth. Each attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over with every sip of soda you take.

These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed.

You can avoid tooth decay and other health problems that arise from drinking too many soft drinks, other carbonated beverages, sports drinks, iced teas and other sweetened liquids (like fruit juices). Limiting your intake, brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly will reduce your risk of tooth decay improve and/or maintain your oral health.

Stay hydrated the right way
Staying properly hydrated is critical to overall health - and some beverages are better suited for this than others. Most soft drinks contain sugar and caffeine which can actually SPEED UP dehydration. 

While drinking sports drinks may keep your body hydrated, they're not good for your teeth. Non-cola sodas, lemonade and sports drinks can cause significant damage to your teeth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.  

Did you know lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue? So next time you feel tired at work or school, don't reach for a caffeinated beverage, drink water. It's good for your body and not hard on your teeth like soda and other caffeinated beverages.

Other tips for maintaining a healthy smile:

• Chew sugarless gum

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Brush and floss daily

• Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste

• Read the labels for sugar content

• WDA Letter to the Editor: Limiting of Soft Drink Access to Public School Children by 2010
  May 10, 2006

• Opinion: Educate Youth on Hazards of Soft Drinks
  Wisconsin State Journal | May 6, 2006 

• Beverage Group: Pull Soda from Primary Schools
  Associated Press | May 3, 2006

• School Soft Drink Sales Slumping, Soda Industry Says
  The Associated Press | Dec. 1, 2005

Media spots
View and listen to the WDA public awareness paid media TV and radio spots on the Sip All Day, Get Decay message. You must have the latest version of QuickTime to play these spots. Read viewing instructions. 

• TV spot | "Juice Mom"
• TV spot | "The Line-up"
• TV spot | "Post Game"
• TV spot | "Soda Girl"
• TV spot | "Soda Guy"
• Radio spot | "Mix Well"
• Radio spot | "Slurp"
• Radio spot | "Acid Bath"
• Radio spot | "Steps"

Community awareness/order brochures
Need materials to educate someone or a group of people about the effects of soda on teeth?  

Materials from the "Sip All Day, Get Decay" campaign available for order include educational brochures, various size posters and flyers, magnets and stickers.

Download a materials order form. Completed forms can be sent to the WDA via mail (6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis, WI 53214) or fax (414-276-8431).

References
1. Borrud, L., Ennus, C.W. & S. Mickle (1996). What we eat in America: USDA surveys food consumption changes. Food Review, 19, 14-19.

2. Guenther, P.M. (1986). Beverages in the diets of American teenagers. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 86, 493-499.

3. Cavadini, C., Siega-Riz, A.M. & B.M. Popkin (2000). US adolescent food intake trends from 1965-1996. Archives of Disease Childhood, 83, 18-24.

4. Marshall, T.A., Levy, S.M., Broffitt, B., Warren, J.J., Eichenberger-Gilmore, J.M., Burns, T.L. & P.J. Stumbo (2003). Dental caries and beverage consumption in young children. Pediatrics, 112, 184-191.

5. Bassiouny, M.A. & J. Yang (2005). Influence of drinking patterns of carbonated beverages on dental erosion. General Dentistry, 53, 205-210.