Junk Drink Alert

We have recently noticed a developing and serious decay problem. What we are seeing in our dental practice is tooth decay that progresses much more quickly than we are accustomed to seeing. This decay is seen around the margins of restorations (fillings) and crowns (caps) where the tooth and restorative material meet. In some individuals these restorations were only placed a short time ago. From discussion with the patients who exhibited this extreme and unusual type of decay, there seems to be two common factors. First, by far and away, the majority of these people are female, and second, they drink diet beverages, mostly soda and bottled iced tea. Their brushing and flossing habits appear to be adequate. They are taking no special medication. The age range is from 12 to 55 years. All seem to be concerned with their weight, which is why they are consuming the diet drinks. Years ago, this type of decay was seen in patients who kept candy, mints, or other edible breath fresheners in their mouths for hours on end, causing decay at the gumlines of teeth. Although another factor or factors may be the actual or contributing causes of this problem, the only currently detected causes are the diet beverages¾soda and artificially sweetened bottled iced tea. Sugar in food and drink feeds the bacteria present in dental plaque, allowing the bacteria to produce lactic acid. The lactic acid breaks down the minerals in the tooth enamel, which causes cavities. Although diet drinks are sugar-free, they are also very acidic. This acid also breaks down the minerals in the tooth enamel, causing cavities. By the time the saliva dilutes these acids enough to bring the mouth back to its proper acidity, new or additional decay may already be in progress. Or worse, before the mouth does recover its proper acid balance, the patient is already uncapping another bottle of that diet drink!