American Dental Association Encouraged by Soda Makers' Pledge to Promote Smaller Sizes, Less Sugar

CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dental Association (ADA) is pleased that three leading soda manufacturers recently announced that they hope to reduce the number of calories that Americans consume from sugar-sweetened beverages by more aggressively marketing smaller sizes and drinks with less sugar.

The ADA has long-encouraged the public to practice good eating habits to keep their teeth healthy, because frequent consumption of sugar contributes to tooth decay.  Reducing the portion sizes of sugary drinks may help reduce tooth decay.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group announced on Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City that their goal is to reduce the number of sugar-related calories that American's consume by 20 percent over the next decade, according to recent news reports.  

The ADA says that a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including juice and sports drinks, can damage teeth. Cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes after you eat or drink. Sipping sugary beverages or eating sugary foods all day results in repeated acid attacks that weaken tooth enamel which can lead to cavities.

To help reduce the risk of tooth decay, the ADA recommends limiting between meal sipping and snacking on sugary beverages and foods. If you must eat a sugary food or drink, consume it with a meal. Drink fluoridated water.  Practice good dental health hygiene by brushing for two minutes twice a day with ADA-Accepted fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

SOURCE American Dental Association

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