An encouraging title based on an encouraging Centers for Disease Control study using data up to 2015, was brought to my attention by a recent American Dental Association email. The study results, presented in HealthDay News, say that American teens are drinking a third less soda. With all the choices available to them, bottled water has become the drink of choice for many. This is truly a step in the right direction for dental and overall health.
Last summer I wrote about the dangers of sugary or energy drinks. It’s worth a read I think as it contains the surprising sugar levels in some of the drinks your teens may be consuming. It also presents the problem of acidity and its role in enamel erosion, tooth decay and more.
But back to the good news. The government survey revealed that in 2015:
- “20 percent of students reported drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage one or more times per day during the previous week, down from 27 percent in 2013 and 34 percent in 2007.
- 26 percent of teens said they had not consumed any sugary soda at all in the previous seven days, up from 22 percent in 2013 and about 19 percent in 2007.”
The drop in soda consumption is attributed to some of the changes in school cafeterias and vending machines, with reduced or eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages.
The study mentions some concerns about teens becoming more interested in energy drinks or other sweetened alternatives; but presents water of all things as the popular alternative. The survey found that “nearly 74 percent of students drank one or more glasses of water per day during the previous week, and 64 percent said they drank two or more glasses of water.”
Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics adds, we encourage parents to discuss the importance of drinking water with their children and teens, set a good example, and involve them in reading labels and in healthy grocery shopping. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, can improve your smile in many ways.”
