Dental effects latest reason to avoid soda pop

If you weren't convinced that diet soda isn't completely harmless by our reference to a Purdue study earlier this month, (read here), perhaps you caught the story on our "To Your Health" page Wednesday.

It included a news release from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, warning that phosphoric and citric acid, common ingredients in many popular sodas and diet sodas, alters the pH balance in the mouth and can cause tooth erosion over time.

Of course, sugar causes cavities, too, and creates its own health problems in the long run, but a significant number of scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of soda and enamel erosion and cavities.

Since Americans drink an average of 44 gallons of soda each year, it's worth serious consideration.

Tooth damage can cause pain when triggers like hot or cold drinks or cold air reach the tooth's nerve and cause pain.

If you do continue to drink soda, limit it to meal time, don't drink it throughout the day. Brush your teeth afterwards to remineralize or strengthen your teeths' surface, or at least rinse out your mouth with water.

Chew sugar-free gum or gum containing Xylitol.

We'll repeat the admonision from our previous editorial: choose plain iced tea or ordinary old water instead.