Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: General and Oral Health Hazards in Children and Adolescents

Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2011 May-Aug;4(2):119-23. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1094. Epub 2010 Apr 15.

Abstract

Ubiquitously unhealthy eating and drinking habits and the development of multiple morbidities, including obesity, type-2 diabetes, dental caries and dental erosion have become a major challenge for physicians, dentists and parents. Modernization has provided heaps of option for outdoor eating and sugar-containing drinks. Even the "diet" labeled drinks are considered not free from sugars and enhances calorie input. With the increasing trends of eating unhealthy, sticky and readily available, refined carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks, problems pertaining to body's metabolic activity and oral health have also been significantly recognized. Dentists and pediatricians can play a pivotal role and should emphasize on patients' education and counseling on the proper nutritional diet and health.

Keywords: Body mass index (BMI).; Dental caries; Dental erosion; Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB); Type-2 diabetes.